NAIROBI, Kenya — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, signalling a potential move to remove him from his position as the party’s Secretary General over alleged gross misconduct.
In a show-cause letter issued on Thursday and signed by party chairperson Gladys Wanga, Sifuna is accused of repeatedly contradicting official party positions and resolutions in public forums.
Among the incidents cited are his appearances on The Explainer on Citizen TV on July 22, 2025, and February 3, 2026, where he allegedly made remarks inconsistent with ODM’s official stance, including declaring the ODM–UDA broad-based political arrangement “dead.”
The party further claims that Sifuna continued to issue conflicting statements despite participating in internal meetings where positions were agreed upon, actions it says have caused confusion and undermined party cohesion.
He is also accused of engaging in unsanctioned political mobilisation under the Linda Mwananchi Initiative, which ODM says falls outside its officially recognised programmes.
Additionally, the letter cites his alleged absence from key party meetings, including a Central Committee session held on January 12, 2026, and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings on February 11 and March 4, 2026.
“That your conduct, taken cumulatively, amounts to actions prejudicial to the interests, discipline, cohesion and public standing of the party, in contravention of Article 11 (2) of the ODM party constitution and your obligations as senior party official,” the letter read in part.
ODM has directed Sifuna to submit a formal response to the allegations by April 8. He is also required to appear before a disciplinary panel on April 10, 2026, to present his defence.
The party warned that failure to respond within the stipulated timeframe would result in the matter being determined in his absence, in line with its constitution.
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The disciplinary action comes amid growing internal tensions within ODM, particularly around differing political strategies and alliances.
Sifuna has recently been associated with the Linda Mwananchi faction, which analysts say is emerging as a counterforce to the party’s traditional grassroots structures. The faction’s activities have raised concerns within ODM’s leadership over parallel mobilisation efforts and messaging.
The dispute also reflects broader realignments within Kenya’s opposition politics, especially following attempts at cooperation between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Political observers note that the outcome of the disciplinary process could have significant implications for ODM’s internal stability and its positioning ahead of future electoral cycles.
