By Faith Anene, Kakamega
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has removed Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary General following a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
In a statement issued after a meeting held on Monday at the party headquarters, Chungwa House, ODM said NEC members unanimously adopted recommendations by the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC), which had been tasked with investigating complaints against Sifuna.
The meeting was chaired by ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and attended by party leader Senator Oburu Odinga and other senior officials.
ODM’s decision to remove Sifuna follows months of internal tensions stemming from his public criticism of the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.
Sifuna, who serves as Nairobi Senator, has repeatedly voiced opposition to ODM’s working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government, maintaining that the party should remain firmly in opposition despite the broad-based arrangement that saw several ODM figures join government.
His remarks often put him at odds with sections of the party leadership, who accused him of undermining official party positions and fueling internal divisions.
The disciplinary process was triggered by complaints lodged within the party, leading to investigations by ODM’s Internal Disputes Resolution Committee.
While Sifuna challenged the proceedings before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, ODM maintained that it had followed due process in handling the matter.
“The NEC unanimously resolved to adopt the Committee’s recommendations and endorsed the removal from office of Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna. Effectively, Sen. Sifuna ceases to be the Secretary General of the ODM Party,” the statement said.
ODM said the disciplinary process followed a series of internal party and legal proceedings involving the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT).
According to the party, Sifuna had previously secured court orders stopping disciplinary action against him, but the orders were later vacated, allowing the process to proceed.
The party further stated that the tribunal ruled ODM was at liberty to hear and determine disciplinary proceedings against Sifuna, provided any decision would not be implemented until pending applications before the tribunal were concluded.
ODM said Sifuna was invited to appear before the committee and was granted requests for adjournments and additional information regarding the allegations against him. However, the party said his legal team later informed the committee that he would not participate in the proceedings, citing concerns over bias.
The NEC also directed the National Elections Coordinating Committee to conclude pending grassroots elections in areas where disputes have been resolved, saying the move would pave the way for preparations for the National Delegates Convention, where national party officials are expected to be elected.
In addition, the party called for the speedy compensation of victims of police brutality as recommended in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, insisting that the process be transparent and involve ODM legislators.
The statement was signed by Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, who wished Sifuna well in his future endeavors following his removal from office.
