Ruth Odinga has openly disagreed with Oburu Oginga’s camp over the hasty removal of Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary General. She says the party failed to follow proper internal procedures.
Speaking in an interview on KTN News on Wednesday, Ruth said she supports Sifuna, describing him as a loyal party member who upheld ODM values set by the late Raila Odinga.
No, I don't think that he has contravened any party values. I support Edwin Sifuna in many of his actions. But the party feels differently, and I opposed his removal because due process was ignored,” Ruth said.
The ODM leader emphasized that party mechanisms such as arbitration and mediation exist precisely for resolving internal conflicts. These mechanisms, she argued, should have been exhausted before any decision to remove Sifuna was made.
Ruth drew parallels with previous cases within ODM, noting that accused members were given opportunities to respond to allegations. “Even in Shakahola, those accused had a chance to speak. The same should have applied to Edwin Sifuna,” she said.
She also hinted at possible external influences in the party’s decision, stressing that ODM could resolve its internal disputes independently if allowed. Ruth urged party leaders to respect existing structures and avoid hasty decisions.
“Edwin Sifuna should go through the process of the party. The structures in place are sufficient for arbitration, mediation, and internal resolution. There was no need to bypass them,” she said, reiterating her support for the embattled Secretary General.
Ruth’s statements come amid growing tensions within ODM, where rival factions have clashed over leadership and party discipline. Her call for adherence to party rules highlights internal fractures that could influence the 2027 political landscape.
By advocating for due process, Ruth Odinga positions herself as a defender of ODM’s democratic mechanisms. She believes fair internal proceedings are critical to maintaining party unity and credibility among supporters.
The former Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, has largely remained silent since his removal. Ruth’s intervention is the strongest public support he has received from a senior party figure, signaling potential pushback against the Oburu Oginga faction.
As ODM navigates the fallout from Sifuna’s ouster, Ruth’s insistence on procedural fairness may shape future disciplinary actions. Observers say it sets a precedent for party accountability and could influence how internal conflicts are handled.
