Edwin Sifuna removed as ODM Secretary-General

By Newsflash Writer

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as the party’s Secretary-General, citing rising cases of indiscipline within its senior leadership.

The decision was reached during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, where the party deliberated on key internal and political matters affecting its operations and strategic direction.

The NEC resolved that Sifuna be relieved of his duties with immediate effect, with Deputy Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo – who is also the Busia Woman Representative – stepping in on an interim basis until a substantive office holder is elected.

The move signals a major shake-up within ODM’s top leadership and underscores the party’s efforts to reinforce internal discipline and adherence to its constitution.

Leadership changes

In a statement issued after the meeting, the NEC expressed concern over what it described as increasing levels of indiscipline within the party, particularly among senior officials. The committee emphasized that ODM is governed by its constitution, the rule of law, and collective decision-making through established party organs.

Following deliberations on matters related to Sifuna’s conduct, the NEC resolved to remove him from office in accordance with the party constitution and relevant legal provisions.

The party did not provide specific details of the allegations but maintained that the decision was necessary to safeguard party unity and discipline.

To ensure continuity in operations, the NEC announced that Deputy Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo would assume the role in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.

The leadership changes come at a time when ODM is seeking to strengthen its internal structures and maintain cohesion ahead of future political engagements.

Exit from Azimio Coalition

The NEC meeting also addressed ODM’s position within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, signaling another major political development. The party reviewed recent events within the coalition and expressed concern that some partners had allegedly violated the Deed of Agreement that established the alliance.

Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo; the new acting ODM Secretary-General. Photo/Handout

As a result of what it termed sustained breaches, the NEC resolved to initiate the formal process of withdrawing ODM from the Azimio coalition. The party stated that the move is intended to safeguard its autonomy, integrity, and strategic direction.

The withdrawal process will be conducted in line with applicable legal and constitutional provisions. The decision could significantly reshape Kenya’s opposition politics, given ODM’s central role in the coalition.

Broader party resolutions

Beyond leadership changes and coalition matters, the NEC adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening the party’s policy agenda and political strategy. The committee unanimously endorsed resolutions made by the Central Committee in January 2026, including granting the party leader authority to oversee negotiations on pre-election coalition arrangements with other political formations.

The NEC also reviewed progress on the implementation of ODM’s 10-point agenda and the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report. It called on relevant stakeholders to address challenges hindering reforms and ensure the full implementation of agreed proposals.

In particular, the committee mandated Minority Leader Junet Mohammed to establish mechanisms to ensure the proposed allocation of Sh450 billion to counties is included as a mandatory provision in the supplementary budget.

The party further reiterated its commitment to justice and accountability by calling on the national government to allocate adequate funds in the forthcoming supplementary budget to compensate victims of human rights violations. It recommended that such funds be administered through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to enhance transparency and efficiency.

Additionally, ODM announced plans to convene a National Delegates Convention in Nairobi on March 27, 2026. The convention is expected to deliberate on the party’s strategic direction, ratify key decisions made by party organs, and prepare the party for the next General Election.

The NEC reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to democratic governance, constitutionalism, and social justice, emphasizing its pursuit of an inclusive and reform-oriented political agenda that reflects the aspirations of Kenyans.

The resolutions were issued in Mombasa on February 11, 2026, marking a decisive moment for the party as it seeks to reposition itself politically while reinforcing discipline within its ranks.