Ababu Namwamba: I was not fired as ODM Secretary General; I walked away

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba, has dismissed claims that he was fired from his position as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in July 2016, insisting that he voluntarily resigned from the party’s top administrative post.

Namwamba said he left the role out of principle, citing dissatisfaction with what he described as persistent internal party wrangles at the time.

He maintained that his departure was deliberate and remains one of the most consequential decisions of his political career.

“No one ever fired me from the position of ODM Secretary General. When I couldn’t stand the everlasting party shenanigans, I had the audacity and honour to walk away, head held high, with my pride intact,” he said.

“I served with commitment and departed with a clean heart. It is the best decision I have made in my public life, one I have never regretted.”

A founding member of ODM, Namwamba said he remains proud of his contribution to what he described as the “Orange Dream,” but added that he moved on willingly. He urged party members to focus on revitalising ODM, arguing that its current fortunes are not comparable to its peak years.

“Please concentrate your passion and energies on strengthening the party, whose fortunes today are certainly not what they were in 2007, when we waged one of the most formidable political campaigns in Kenyan history, or in 2016, when I walked away,” he said.

“Strong, well-run parties are the building blocks of a vibrant constitutional democracy. I wish ODM well,” he added.

In January 2019, ODM appointed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General, succeeding Namwamba.

The party, led by then-NASA chief and late Raila Odinga, announced leadership roles during its delegates' meeting.

Namwamba served as Budalang’i MP from 2013 to 2017.

He also stepped down as Labour Party of Kenya (LPK) leader following his appointment as Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary.

Namwamba’s comments come after ODM removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General. The decision was made during the Party National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Wednesday.

"Having deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of the Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the NEC resolved to remove him from office with immediate effect, in accordance with the party constitution and applicable laws, effective immediately," the statement read.

The NEC expressed concern over rising levels of indiscipline within the party, particularly at the senior leadership level.

The committee emphasised that ODM is governed by its constitution, the rule of law, and collective decision-making through its duly constituted organs.

Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, one of the Deputy Secretaries General, will act in the position until a substantive officeholder is elected.