MOMBASA, Kenya — Oburu Odinga has dismissed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) expelled its embattled Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna from the party, saying the move only affected his position and not his membership.
Speaking during a church service at Shalom Miracle Church in Makupa, Mombasa, on Sunday, 15 February, the ODM leader said Sifuna was removed from the post of Secretary-General over what he termed indiscipline but remained a member of the party.
His remarks come amid escalating internal tensions within Orange Democratic Movement following a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee to replace Sifuna. The decision has since been challenged in court.
‘We have not thrown him out’
Reaffirming the appointment of Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo as interim Secretary-General, Oburu stated:
“We have our SG Catherine Omanyo and the other SG the party said he should be out a little because of indiscipline, but we have not thrown him out of the party. He is the court’s SG and Omanyo is the SG of the party and we are not going to go back,” Oburu stated.
“There must be some example of discipline. Somebody must feel some little pain of being disciplined so that the party can continue to be united. The party cannot be based on fear,” he added, noting that nobody was bigger than the party,” he added.
Oburu further said the ODM constitution provides clear procedures on discipline, adding that any member — regardless of rank — could face sanctions for defying party resolutions.
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He added that even he, as the party leader, could be disciplined if he acted contrary to the party’s position.
Legal battle and factional camps
Sifuna moved to court to challenge his removal, arguing that the party’s decision was irregular. The High Court issued conservatory orders temporarily blocking ODM from formally gazetting his ouster pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
The dispute has exposed widening divisions within ODM, one of Kenya’s main opposition parties. While Oburu and allied officials addressed supporters in Mombasa, another faction led by Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was in Kitengela for what they described as a “Linda Wananchi” mobilisation tour.
Political analysts say the unfolding standoff reflects broader strategic disagreements within ODM as Kenya’s opposition recalibrates its posture amid shifting alliances and realignments in national politics.
Despite the visible tensions, Oburu maintained that the party remained united and resilient.
The matter now awaits judicial determination.
