The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed reports that Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna had been expelled from the party, saying he was only asked to step aside from the position over alleged indiscipline but remains a member.
Speaking on Sunday, February 15, at Shalom Miracle Church in Makupa, Mombasa, Oginga emphasised that ODM operates under strict rules that all members must follow.
"If you do not follow the rules of the party, you stay out. If you respect them, you remain part of us,” he said, adding that even senior leaders, including himself, would face consequences if they broke party regulations.
According to Oginga, the disciplinary action was meant to reinforce unity and accountability, not to remove Sifuna entirely.
“Someone must feel the consequences of breaking the rules so that the party can remain united. Nobody is bigger than the party. Those rules were made for us to follow, and they must be followed strictly," he said.
Oginga also clarified that Catherine Omanyo will lead ODM as secretary-general in Sifuna’s absence, ensuring that party operations continue smoothly while maintaining discipline.
“We have our SG Catherine Omanyo, and for the other (Sifuna), the party said he should step aside for a bit because of indiscipline, but we did not chase him away,” he said.
Oburu’s remarks come moments after ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi fiercely defended Sifuna, warning party leaders pushing for his removal that they are underestimating the resistance they will face.
Speaking at St Peter’s Olkejuado ACK Church during a Sunday service, ahead of the Linda Mwananchi public baraza in Kitengela, Osotsi declared that Sifuna would not be forced out of the ODM party.
He also confirmed that Sifuna has the backing of Mama Ida Odinga, whom he said had already given an assurance that the Nairobi senator would not be kicked out of the Orange party.
“Hakuna mahali Sifuna anaenda. Sifuna is going nowhere — even Mama Ida Odinga has said Sifuna is going nowhere,” Osotsi told congregants.
Osotsi went further to issue a bold warning to his rivals within the party, questioning why the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) had not recommended his removal as one of the party’s deputies.
He further claimed that he is worse than Sifuna, who is being fought from within.
“Na mimi bado ni deputy party leader, sijui kwanini walikataa kunitoa mimi lakini nataka kuwaambia kuwa mimi ni mbaya zaidi kuliko huyu Sifuna,” he said.
Osotisi also promised to fight for Sifuna, arguing that those against him are the ones who will have to leave ODM.
“Na sisi tumesimama nyuma ya Sifuna, tutasimama nyuma yake, na wale ndo watatoka ndani ya ODM; sisi tuko ndani,” he said.
On February 11, ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) passed a resolution seeking to remove Sifuna from his position as party secretary-general.
In response, Sifuna filed a legal challenge, prompting the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) to halt the implementation of the decision temporarily.
In an order issued on February 12, Acting Chairperson Gad Gathu certified Sifuna’s application as urgent, directing that it be served immediately on the respondents, including ODM and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
“The notice of motion application dated 11th February 2026 is hereby certified urgent,” the tribunal ruled, giving Sifuna temporary relief while the matter is fully considered.
