Osotsi: Sifuna is going nowhere

A fresh storm has erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Deputy Party Leader Godffrey Osotsi dismissed a National Executive Council (NEC) decision to oust Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General.

Addressing a press conference attended by several senior party officials, Osotsi appealed for calm among ODM supporters and maintained that the NEC resolution was invalid and would not stand.

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“I want to tell party members to remain calm because Sifuna is not going anywhere,” he stated.

Osotsi reiterated his earlier position, declaring that he would not remain in the party if Sifuna’s removal is upheld.

“I had said it earlier: if Sifuna goes, I will also go,” he remarked.

At the press conference, Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino among others, flanked Osotsi.

Osotsi said the group still recognises Sifuna as the legitimate Secretary General of ODM, dismissing the NEC’s move as irregular and politically motivated.

He claimed that there is an attempt for a hostile takeover of ODM, alleging that certain forces within and outside the party were pushing for control of its leadership structures.

The deputy party leader revealed details of behind-the-scenes engagements that preceded the controversial NEC meeting.

He said that last Friday he received a call from party chairperson Gladys Wanga, who handed the phone to party leader Oburu Odinga, requesting a meeting on Monday.

Osotsi said he requested that he attend with other leaders, a proposal that was accepted.

According to him, Oburu came to the meeting with Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, and they agreed to have the NEC meeting delayed until contentious issues are ironed out.

He added that it was also agreed that a team of trustees led by elders would continue with mediation within the party.

He added that Oburu said he needed to consult further before any decisive action was taken.

However, Osotsi said he was surprised that the NEC was convened on Monday before they had agreed on anything, and the meeting went on to make critical decisions, including removing Sifuna from office.

He announced that they will continue with their meetings and mobilisation efforts across the country.

“From this weekend, we are going to our supporters, starting with Kitengela on Sunday and February 21 we will be in Vihiga, Kakamega, and Bungoma,” he said.

“We will continue to protect the legacy of Raila Odinga,” he added.

Speaking earlier during an interview with Citizen TV, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo sharply criticised the party’s decision to remove Sifuna.

Maanzo warned that the move could have far-reaching political consequences for the party, particularly at a time of shifting alliances.

“I can assure you, ODM will regret it forever. This is now how they will never be part of government,” he stated.

Sifuna’s ouster was confirmed by ODM’s senior leadership following a National Executive Council (NEC) resolution meeting held on Wednesday, February 11.

Following the decision, Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, who previously served as the party’s deputy secretary general, assumed the role in an acting capacity.

Omanyo will oversee the Secretariat as ODM prepares for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) scheduled for March 27, 2026.