The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has kicked out its Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Wednesday.

In a statement, the party said leaders resolved to relieve Sifuna of his duties with immediate effect.

“Following deliberations, the NEC has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect,” the party said.

In his place, Catherine Omanyo, one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, has been named acting secretary general.

“Effectively, Catherine Omanyo will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected,” ODM noted.

During the meeting, the NEC expressed serious concern over indiscipline among senior leaders, stressing that ODM is governed by its Constitution, the rule of law and collective decision-making through its duly constituted organs.

Sifuna had been at odds with some party leaders over ODM’s position on support for President William Ruto.

While some party figures claimed the late party leader Raila Odinga advised collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza government beyond 2027, others insisted ODM should remain separate from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), even after a Central Management Committee resolution in January supported continued cooperation.

Earlier this month, Sifuna led a faction in a campaign tour dubbed Linda Wananchi in Busia, accompanied by deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. The initiative appeared to rival the Linda Ground campaign endorsed by other ODM leaders.

Former national chairperson and Treasury CS John Mbadi was among those who called for Sifuna’s ouster, accusing him of defying the party leader Oburu Oginga and advancing individual interests.

“Someone like Sifuna cannot remain in ODM because he is already conflicted. He is now selling someone else’s agenda. You cannot keep him at the party. He is pretending, please allow him to go,” Mbadi said last week, adding that the secretary general’s responsibilities had long been reassigned, making his departure inconsequential.

He noted that the party must act decisively against leaders pursuing agendas contrary to the majority.

“This is a critical moment. For the sake of the party’s success, some people must leave,” he said.

He also clarified that ODM’s registration certificate was already held by a designated team.

“Let no one mislead you that the Secretary General keeps the party’s certificate. That was changed a long time ago when we created trustees. Sifuna does not even know where the ODM registration certificate is. If he has seen it, let him take a photo and post it on WhatsApp,” he said.

During the meeting, the NEC adopted resolutions of the Central Committee from January 12, 2026, mandating the Party Leader to oversee negotiations on ODM’s pre-election coalition arrangements with other parties.

It also reviewed the implementation of the party’s 10-Point Agenda and the NADCO report, commending the oversight committee for diligence despite challenges.

The NEC directed Minority Leader and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed to ensure the proposed allocation of Sh450 billion to counties is included in the supplementary budget.

The NEC further resolved to push for compensation of victims of human rights violations, insisting that the funds be channelled through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to guarantee transparency and timely disbursement.

On the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, the NEC cited repeated violations of the coalition’s founding agreement by some partners, prompting a decision to initiate formal withdrawal proceedings to protect ODM’s autonomy and strategic direction.

The NEC also announced a National Delegates Convention (NDC) in Nairobi on March 27, 2026, to discuss the party’s strategic direction, ratify key decisions and prepare for the forthcoming general election.