ODM kicks out Edwin Sifuna as party secretary-general in major leadership shake-up

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been removed as Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following protracted legal and political disputes that have played out in both court and party structures.

The decision was reached by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

It was made during a meeting held on Monday, June 22, at Chungwa House and chaired by ODM National Chairperson, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, in the presence of party leader Oburu Odinga.

According to the party, the NEC considered a report from the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC), which had been tasked with investigating a complaint against Senator Sifuna in his capacity as Secretary-General.

After reviewing the findings, the NEC unanimously adopted the recommendations and endorsed his removal from office.

"After going through the report and the findings of the IDRS under Article 74, Section 2 of the party constitution, the NEC unanimously adopted the committee's recommendation and endorsed the removal from office of Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna. Effectively, Senator Sifuna ceases to be the Secretary-General of the ODM party," acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo said in an official statement.

His removal is expected to affect his position as Senate Minority Leader, a role that carries significant influence and privileges.

The senator was also dropped from the Senate Energy Committee, chaired by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, and replaced by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang.

Last week, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal ruled that Sifuna was not accorded a fair hearing before ODM moved to remove him from office, delivering a setback to the party leadership.

The tribunal found that the process leading to his removal did not meet the threshold of procedural fairness. It held that there was no evidence Sifuna had been notified in advance that his conduct would be discussed at the NEC meeting.

It further noted that the circulated agenda did not include any item indicating disciplinary action or discussion regarding Sifuna. As a result, he was not given adequate notice or an opportunity to prepare a response.

The judges also observed that no evidence was provided showing that any amendments to the agenda were communicated to him before deliberations began, effectively denying him the chance to defend himself.

Consequently, the tribunal nullified the resolution to remove him, finding it contrary to principles of natural justice and fair administrative action.

However, the ruling did not bar ODM from pursuing disciplinary action. The tribunal emphasised that the party retains the authority to discipline its members, provided it adheres to its constitution and the law.

It distinguished procedural compliance and the substance of the allegations, noting that the case before it concerned the process used rather than the merits of the claims.

The tribunal directed that any outstanding disciplinary matters be handled through ODM’s internal mechanisms, stating that the process had not been exhausted and should proceed.

Sifuna was also directed to participate in the disciplinary proceedings, with the tribunal declining to suspend them entirely. It maintained that political parties must be allowed to manage internal affairs within the law.

The ruling means ODM may proceed with disciplinary action, provided Sifuna is given adequate notice, a fair hearing, and an opportunity to respond.

The dispute arose after the NEC resolved to remove him from office, prompting him to challenge the decision at the tribunal.

.Interim orders had previously suspended implementation of the resolution pending the outcome of the case.