Mombasa, Kenya (Daily Report KE) , February 12, 2026 — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has removed Secretary General Edwin Sifuna from office with immediate effect following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa.
The meeting, chaired by party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, resolved to relieve Sifuna of his duties in accordance with the party constitution, citing concerns over discipline within the party’s senior leadership.
NEC Cites Discipline Concerns
In a statement read by Deputy Secretary General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, the NEC expressed concern over what it described as rising levels of indiscipline within the party.
“The NEC expressed grave concern over the rising levels of indiscipline within the Party, particularly at the senior leadership level. The Committee underscored that ODM is governed by its Constitution, the rule of law, and collective decision-making through its duly constituted organs,” the statement read.
The committee resolved that Sifuna be removed from office effective immediately.
Omanyo will now serve as Acting Secretary General pending the election of a substantive office holder. She will oversee the party secretariat as ODM prepares for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Political Undercurrents
Sifuna’s absence from the NEC meeting, alongside Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Otsotsi, had fueled speculation about possible disciplinary action.
In recent weeks, the Nairobi Senator had maintained a strong public stance against cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration, even as sections of ODM leadership explored broader political realignments.
His “Linda Mwananchi” tour, which began in Busia County, was widely interpreted as a grassroots mobilization effort independent of ongoing party negotiations.
Moments after news of his removal broke, Sifuna took to social media to announce that the tour would proceed, with the next rally scheduled for Kitengela on Sunday, February 15. Leaders expected to attend include Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Godfrey Otsotsi.
Exit from Azimio Coalition
Beyond the leadership reshuffle, the NEC resolved to initiate the formal process of withdrawing from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, citing what it termed sustained breaches of the coalition’s Deed of Agreement by some partners.
Earlier, Oburu had publicly criticized recent changes within Azimio, arguing that ODM — as a principal partner — should have been consulted before key decisions were made.
The NEC also adopted resolutions mandating Oburu to spearhead ODM’s pre-election coalition negotiations, guided by the party’s ideological foundations and strategic interests.
Budget and Human Rights Resolutions
Additionally, the committee directed National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to push for mechanisms ensuring the proposed allocation of KSh450 billion to counties becomes mandatory in the supplementary budget.
On human rights matters, ODM called on the national government to allocate sufficient funds in the upcoming supplementary budget to compensate victims of human rights violations. The party proposed that the funds be channeled through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to ensure transparency.
The NEC resolutions signal a broader restructuring within ODM as the party repositions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
