NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has suffered a major setback after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) formally recognised his removal as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), bringing a new twist to a months-long internal party dispute.
In a letter issued on Thursday, the Registrar informed Sifuna that ODM had followed the required legal and constitutional procedures in removing him from the influential party position.
The decision effectively updates ODM’s official leadership records and marks the latest development in a dispute that has exposed growing tensions within Kenya’s largest opposition party.
Registrar backs ODM decision
According to the Registrar’s communication, the office reviewed documents submitted by ODM and found that the party had acted within the law and its internal constitution when it resolved to remove Sifuna.
“Upon review of the documents submitted by the party and the lack of response from you pursuant to Article 47 of the Constitution, we note that your removal from the office of the party Secretary General was in line with the Political Parties Act Cap. 7D and the ODM Party Constitution,” the letter stated.
The Registrar further confirmed that the party’s records had already been updated to reflect the change.
“Owing to the above, this office has effected the change and updated the party records.”
The ruling is likely to strengthen ODM’s position in an internal leadership contest that has simmered for months.
Sifuna challenges decision
Sifuna swiftly pushed back against the Registrar’s decision through his lawyer, Senior Counsel Isaac Okero, who accused the ORPP of acting prematurely.
In a formal response, Okero argued that the Registrar had bypassed procedural safeguards contained in the Political Parties Act.
The lawyer maintained that the decision raised questions about due process and indicated that Sifuna’s team would challenge the move through the appropriate legal channels.
“We note that the effecting of a change in the party records omits the necessary processes under Section 20(2) of the Political Parties Act, rendering the action ultra vires, for which we shall seek appropriate relief,” Okero stated.
The response signals that the dispute may now shift from internal party structures to the courts.
Long-running ODM leadership dispute
The conflict stems from resolutions adopted by ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which moved to remove Sifuna from the position of Secretary General amid accusations that he was pursuing positions inconsistent with the party’s official direction.
Although party officials have largely avoided discussing the specifics of the fallout publicly, the dispute has unfolded against the backdrop of ODM’s evolving relationship with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Sifuna has on several occasions publicly expressed views that appeared at odds with sections of the party leadership, fuelling speculation about internal divisions.
ODM says party can now move forward
Speaking at ODM headquarters in Nairobi, Deputy Secretary General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo welcomed the Registrar’s decision, saying it would allow the party to focus on its political agenda.
“We have waited for so long. We cannot have a person masquerading as secretary general while he is out there running his own agenda,” Omanyo said.
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“We can now move on as a party, and he can as well go and form his own party.”
Her remarks underscore the depth of frustration among some ODM officials over the prolonged leadership wrangle.
What the decision means
The Secretary General position is one of the most powerful offices within ODM, responsible for coordinating party operations, implementing decisions of the National Executive Committee and serving as a key link between party organs.
The Registrar’s recognition of Sifuna’s removal does not necessarily bring the matter to a close, particularly if the senator pursues legal action.
Kenyan courts have previously intervened in political party disputes involving leadership changes, disciplinary actions and internal elections.
For now, however, the ORPP’s decision represents a significant victory for ODM’s leadership and leaves Sifuna facing an uncertain political future within the party.
The dispute also comes at a sensitive time for ODM as it seeks to maintain cohesion amid shifting political alliances and preparations for the 2027 General Election.
