NAIROBI, Kenya — People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has moved to temper speculation that Kenya’s opposition could quickly absorb former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, hours after his dramatic removal from office.
Speaking on Thursday, February 12, during an interview, Karua said the opposition would not rush into political decisions and would instead allow internal processes within ODM to unfold.
“We will not hurry to do that. We will let him choose his own path, and we are not sure that he has been ousted properly. We wait for things to unfold. He might end up coming back bigger and better,” Karua said.
Doubts over procedure
Karua questioned whether the proper party mechanisms had been fully followed in Sifuna’s removal, suggesting the situation could reflect deeper internal tensions within ODM.
“Things are imploding slowly, and we do not know whether this is the end. We do not know whether the right procedure was followed, and this party seems to have an internal struggle,” she added.
Her remarks introduce fresh political intrigue into an already evolving opposition landscape, particularly as ODM reassesses its coalition strategy ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Praise for Sifuna
Despite declining to comment on potential recruitment, Karua praised Sifuna’s tenure at ODM, describing him as an effective administrator and public communicator.
“Edwin Sifuna is a brilliant, knowledgeable politician who has done a sterling job as ODM Secretary-General,” Karua maintained.
Sifuna, who has served as ODM’s chief spokesperson and a prominent opposition voice in Parliament, was removed following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Wednesday, February 11.
ODM’s position
In a statement, the NEC cited concerns about discipline within the party’s senior leadership ranks.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) expressed concern over rising levels of indiscipline within the party, especially within senior leadership positions,” a statement from ODM’s NEC read.
“Having deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the NEC resolved to remove him from office effective immediately,” it added.
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However, senior ODM figures have since clarified that the decision remains subject to internal ratification processes under the party constitution, including review by higher governing organs.
Following Sifuna’s removal, Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, previously the party’s Deputy Secretary-General, assumed the role in an acting capacity pending formal confirmation.
Wider opposition dynamics
Karua’s cautious stance reflects broader uncertainty within Kenya’s opposition politics. ODM has recently signalled its intention to reconsider its position within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, raising the possibility of new political alignments.
Analysts note that Sifuna’s next move, whether he challenges the decision internally, remains within ODM, or charts a different political path, could influence opposition cohesion at a time when coalition politics remain fluid.
For now, Karua’s message is clear: the opposition will wait and watch.
