KAMPALA, Uganda — Lawyer and political commentator Miguna Miguna has defended the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) decision to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary-General, saying the move is legally, constitutionally and morally justified.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Miguna argued that individuals holding senior party positions must fully support and subscribe to the political ideology and leadership of the party they serve.
He insisted that it is inconsistent for a party official to publicly oppose the same organisation they represent at the leadership level.
“ODM is legally, constitutionally and morally right to remove Edwin Sifuna as its secretary general,” Miguna said.
He added that personal disagreements with party leadership or internal decisions should not override the responsibilities attached to senior party office.
“You can’t be the secretary general of a political party you don’t believe in. If one is secretary general, s/he must support the party they are a member of. Period!” he stated.
Miguna urges Sifuna to quit ODM
Miguna further challenged Sifuna and his political allies—whom he referred to as the “Linda Tumbo Group”—to exit ODM if they no longer align with its ideology, or to form a new political party that reflects their views.
“Sifuna and his Linda Tumbo Group should be honest and courageous enough to leave ODM and either join or form a political party they believe in,” he said.
He maintained that political leaders should not occupy positions in parties whose policies or leadership they openly disagree with.
“You cannot eat and have your cake at the same time,” Miguna added.
Call for ‘political hygiene’
The outspoken lawyer also called for what he described as “political hygiene” in Kenya, urging political parties to enforce ideological discipline and accountability among their leaders.
Also Read: Otiende Amollo defends ODM decision to remove Edwin Sifuna as Secretary-General
He argued that consistency in political alignment is essential for strengthening party systems and democratic practice.
Miguna’s remarks come amid ongoing debate within ODM following the party’s decision to remove Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General, a move that has sparked mixed reactions from political leaders and supporters.
Sifuna has recently been vocal in his criticism of certain party decisions and political alliances, triggering internal tensions within the opposition party.
The ODM National Executive Committee has defended its decision, maintaining that due process was followed in handling the matter.
