The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a titan of Kenyan politics for two decades, is currently facing one of its most turbulent chapters. At the heart of this storm is Edwin Sifuna, the fiery Nairobi Senator who has served as the party’s Secretary General since 2018. However, as of February 11, 2026, the “Orange House” is no longer a united front.
The Ouster: A Midnight Coup in Mombasa?
On Wednesday, February 11, the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) met in Mombasa and made a bombshell announcement: Edwin Sifuna has been removed as Secretary General with immediate effect.
The decision, read by Catherine Omanyo (the Busia Woman Representative who was promptly installed as the acting SG), cited “rising levels of indiscipline” and a failure to adhere to the principle of collective decision-making.
The core of the friction? * The Ruto Factor: Since the passing of party founder Raila Odinga in late 2025, ODM has moved toward a “broad-based” government arrangement with President William Ruto’s UDA.
- The Rebellion: Sifuna, alongside allies like Siaya Governor James Orengo and MP Babu Owino, has remained a fierce critic of the government, labeling initiatives like the “Nyota Fund” a scam and refusing to support a Ruto re-election bid in 2027.
Sifuna Strikes Back: “I Am Still the SG”
The removal didn’t happen with Sifuna in the room. He was ousted in absentia, and he hasn’t taken the news lying down. In a heated press conference held at the Sarova Panafric Hotel on February 12, 2026, Sifuna flanked by Winnie Odinga and Babu Owino, declared the move “illegal, unprocedural, and a blatant violation of the ODM Constitution.”
“At no time have I been informed of indiscipline. No organ of the party has invited me for any disciplinary action,” Sifuna asserted, maintaining that he remains the validly elected Secretary General.
The Current Situation: A Party Divided
The fallout has split ODM into two distinct camps:
- The “Old Guard” / Oburu Wing: Led by interim party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, this group favors the current cooperation with the government and wants to purge “rebel” elements to ensure party stability.
- The “Gen Z” / Reformist Wing: Led by Sifuna, Orengo, and Owino, this group believes the party is betraying its fundamental role as the opposition by “sleeping with the enemy.”
What Happens Next?
The battle is now moving from the boardroom to the courts and the upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC) scheduled for March 27, 2026.
While Sifuna argues the NEC lacked the powers to fire an elected official without a fair hearing, the party leadership is already moving to de-whip his allies and withdraw ODM from the Azimio coalition entirely. This legal and political stalemate threatens to leave the country’s largest opposition party in a state of paralysis as the 2027 General Election draws closer.
This video provides the breaking news report on the National Executive Committee’s decision to remove Edwin Sifuna and the broader leadership changes within the ODM party.
Metropolitan 