Oburu praises Omanyo, says Sifuna not ODM SG

ODM leader Oburu Oginga has publicly backed Catherine Omanyo as secretary general of the party, praising her leadership and urging her to ignore critics as internal wrangles over the position continue.

Speaking during a meeting at the party headquarters in Nairobi, Oburu said he was impressed by the speech Omanyo delivered before he rose to address party officials and members.

“I am so impressed and inspired by your speech. You should be confident because your are our SG,” Oburu said.

The Siaya senator encouraged Omanyo to remain focused on strengthening the party despite ongoing disputes surrounding the secretary general position.

“Ignore all other processes going on, people saying you are acting. As far as we are concerned, we gave you the power to work as our SG,” he added.

Oburu also took a swipe at Edwin Sifuna, insisting that the Nairobi senator is no longer serving as the party’s secretary general.

“The other one, if he is SG where is he, this is the party leader’s office, where is he,” he posed.

According to Oburu, Sifuna has been absent from key party meetings, raising questions about his continued claim to the office.

“Recently, we held a National Executive Council meeting, did you see him. He didn’t even send an apology,” he stated.

He urged Omanyo to stay focused on her work and ignore critics who have questioned her appointment.

“Those abusing you are just giving you strength,” he said.

The remarks come amid a leadership dispute within ODM over the secretary general position.

Oburu has previously clarified that Sifuna had not been expelled from the party but had been asked to step aside from the role over alleged indiscipline.

On February 11, the party’s National Executive Committee passed a resolution seeking to remove Sifuna as secretary general.

In response, Sifuna moved to court, filing a legal challenge against the decision. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal temporarily halted the implementation of the resolution.

The tribunal later extended the order until March 12, allowing Sifuna to remain in the position as the dispute continues to be heard.

The internal row has exposed divisions within ODM, with some members questioning the process used to remove Sifuna from office.

Supporters of the Nairobi senator argue that removing him in absentia without a properly convened National Delegates Convention or broader consultation within the party sets a dangerous precedent.

Meanwhile, the party has announced plans to hold a Special Delegates Convention on March 27 in Nairobi as tensions continue to simmer.

In a notice issued by Omanyo in her capacity as deputy secretary-general, the party said the meeting will be convened in accordance with the party constitution.