In a dramatic softening of tone, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has firmly denied expelling Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the party, insisting the recent move was merely a disciplinary punishment rather than a full expulsion.
Speaking during a church service at Shalom Miracle Church in Makupa, Mombasa, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Oburu clarified the party’s position amid escalating internal chaos following Sifuna’s ouster as Secretary General.
“We didn’t chase Sifuna from ODM,” Oburu declared. “The other one was relieved of duties by the party for indiscipline, but we have not expelled him from the party. He (Sifuna) is the SG according to the court, but Omanyo is the party’s choice.”
He appointed Catherine Omanyo as the new Secretary General, while describing Sifuna’s status as temporarily sidelined: “The party decided that he step aside for a little while because of indiscipline.”
Oburu emphasized zero tolerance for indiscipline, stating, “Nobody is indispensable, including myself. Should I be found guilty of indiscipline, I should be removed.”
The comments mark a noticeable shift from earlier hardline actions, when the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC), chaired by Oburu, removed Sifuna with immediate effect on February 11, 2026, citing conduct issues after prolonged factional tensions.
Sifuna, a vocal critic, has openly challenged Oburu’s leadership legitimacy, questioned internal decisions, and led rival rallies— the latest today in Kitengela—while defying party directives. He addressed a press conference on February 12, insisting he remains the “duly elected Secretary General” and vowing loyalty to ODM’s core struggles.
The saga intensified when the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) issued a temporary order blocking Sifuna’s removal and barring the party or Registrar of Political Parties from gazetting it. The case is set for mention on February 26, 2026, leaving Sifuna in limbo as the court-recognized SG while the party pushes ahead with its preferred appointee.
This leadership rift comes against broader ODM turmoil, including calls for a National Delegates Convention to ratify changes, whispers of mass exodus fears, and debates over the party’s direction post-Raila Odinga era.
Oburu’s measured remarks—ruling out outright expulsions and framing the action as temporary punishment—appear aimed at de-escalating while upholding discipline. Yet, with Sifuna rallying supporters and court intervention in play, the Orange House remains deeply divided, raising questions about ODM’s stability ahead of future political battles.
As one insider put it, the party insists discipline must prevail—but at what cost to unity? Watch this space as the February 26 hearing looms.
