Ruth Odinga: I opposed Sifuna’s ouster

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Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has publicly defended Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following his controversial removal as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General.

Odinga stated that she opposed the decision and supports him in many of his actions despite party differences.

Odinga, speaking in an interview on Wednesday, described Sifuna's ouster as procedurally flawed and insisted the party should have followed due process, including granting him the right to defend himself.

“I support Edwin Sifuna in many cases of what he does. But what the party feels is a different thing. I am one of the people who opposed Sifuna’s removal,” she said.

She added: “Edwin Sifuna has been speaking his mind and has his right, and if there was any issue about discipline, he should have also been given the right to reply. Even in Shakahola, the accused people were also given a chance to speak.”

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of ODM removed Sifuna on February 11 during a meeting in Mombasa, citing indiscipline and breaches of party protocol amid ongoing internal divisions as the party prepares for the 2027 general election.

The NEC appointed Catherine Omanyo as acting secretary general.

Sifuna has continued public engagements, including “Linda Mwananchi” tours, and has challenged the decision in the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The tribunal issued interim orders suspending the gazettement of his removal, with a full hearing scheduled for March.

Odinga, who was present at the NEC meeting, revealed she voted against the motion to oust Sifuna, describing the process as a “sham” that failed to adhere to the party’s internal arbitration and disciplinary mechanisms.

Her remarks come as ODM grapples with factional tensions, including differing approaches to grassroots mobilisation and speculation over potential pre-election alignments.

Odinga cautioned against rushing into any pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), calling it “very premature” before internal issues and existing memoranda of understanding are resolved.

“ODM is a formidable party,” she asserted, urging the movement to first “get our house in order.”

Sifuna, speaking a day after his removal as SG, declared that he remains the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He described the move as unlawful and procedurally flawed.

“I have taken note of the announcement made by a section of the ODM NEC in Mombasa yesterday, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, purporting to remove me from the position of Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement,” Sifuna said.

He challenged the legitimacy of the decision, stating: “Let me state, without fear of contradiction, that this action is illegal, unprocedural, and a blatant violation of the ODM Constitution, as well as the principles of natural justice.”

Sifuna argued that he had not been informed of any complaints or disciplinary proceedings that would warrant his removal from the position he says he still holds.

“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me, be they of indiscipline, insubordination or incompetence in the execution of my duties as SG,” he said. “Neither have I been invited to respond to any complaints in and out of the party, on any matter that would constitute grounds for removal.”