Nairobi Senator declares his removal illegal, vows to fight back in courts as ODM power struggle intensifies
In a fiery press conference that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s opposition ranks, embattled Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has launched a blistering counterattack against his purported removal as Orange Democratic Movement Secretary-General, declaring the move illegal and vowing an all-out legal war to reclaim his position.
Speaking before a packed room of supporters and media at a Nairobi hotel on Wednesday, February 12, a visibly defiant Sifuna dismissed Tuesday’s decision by a section of the ODM National Executive Committee as nothing more than a politically motivated hatchet job orchestrated by party leaders who have sold out to President William Ruto’s government.
“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 thundered, his voice cutting through the tension-filled room. “I remain the validly elected Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement.”
The senator’s defiance comes barely 24 hours after the ODM NEC convened in Mombasa and resolved to strip him of his duties, a move that has plunged Kenya’s main opposition party into unprecedented turmoil and exposed deep fractures within its leadership.
“My Only Crime? Refusing to Support Ruto”
In what is shaping up as the most dramatic internal party battle in ODM’s 18-year history, Sifuna pulled no punches in identifying what he believes is the real reason behind his ouster.
“Indeed, as far as internal differences in opinion go, my only ‘crime’ is that I oppose any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election, because I have held and continue to hold the firm position that this country cannot afford another five years of this expensive, divisive, incompetent and disastrous Ruto misadventure,” he declared to thunderous applause from his supporters.
The statement represents the most direct acknowledgment yet of the elephant in the room that has been tearing ODM apart since party leader Raila Odinga struck a rapprochement deal with President Ruto last year, a move that saw several ODM members appointed to Ruto’s cabinet.
Sifuna’s opposition to this cooperation has been unwavering and vocal, putting him on a collision course with a section of the party leadership that appears increasingly comfortable with the government.
“I Was Never Given a Chance to Defend Myself”
Central to Sifuna’s legal challenge is his claim that he was afforded no opportunity to respond to whatever allegations were leveled against him before the NEC moved to remove him.
“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 stated emphatically. “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. Consequently, no lawful organ of the party has invited me for any hearing.”
Legal experts suggest this procedural irregularity could form the backbone of Sifuna’s court challenge, as most party constitutions require members to be given an opportunity to be heard before disciplinary action is taken against them.
The senator also took direct aim at governors and other party officials who he claims have made defamatory allegations against him, particularly accusations of extortion.
“This is a coordinated war against me,” Sifuna charged. “You people know me and my work. Those governors making those allegations, we will meet them in court because it is very defamatory. If I have ever extorted you, bring the evidence for Kenyans to see.”
Nine Years at the Helm: The Longest-Serving SG
Sifuna’s removal, if it stands, would end a remarkable nine-year tenure as ODM Secretary-General, making him the longest-serving individual in that position in the party’s history.
“This month marks the beginning of my ninth year as SG of ODM, the longest serving individual in that position,” he noted with evident pride. “To serve that long at the feet of the enigmatic Raila Odinga needed one to summon all reservoirs of wisdom from all possible sources, but most importantly, to remain a true and loyal student of the great icon.”
The senator’s tenure has been marked by his fierce defense of party interests, his combative political style, and his ability to articulate the opposition’s position in ways that resonated with millions of Kenyans frustrated with government policies.
His supporters argue that this track record of loyalty and service makes the manner of his removal all the more shocking and politically motivated.
The Raila Factor: Honoring or Betraying the Icon?
Perhaps the most emotionally charged element of Sifuna’s statement was his repeated invocation of Raila Odinga’s name and legacy, positioning himself as the true custodian of the veteran opposition leader’s principles.
“Even in the current circumstances, I would never betray the ideals and principles of my late leader, Rt Hon Raila,” Sifuna declared, referring to Raila’s political mentor, his late father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
He went on to paint a picture of a party leadership that has lost its way, abandoning the very principles that Raila Odinga spent decades fighting for.
“It is painful to note that sections of the party continue to desecrate the legacy and memory of Raila, by turning this party into a theatre of the illegal,” Sifuna lamented, citing recent irregular gazette notices and procedural violations.
The statement represents a direct challenge to those in ODM who claim to be acting with Raila’s blessing or at his direction, with Sifuna essentially arguing that the party godfather would never have sanctioned such irregular proceedings.
“Raila Did Not Raise Cowards”
In what may become one of the defining quotes of this political drama, Sifuna invoked the memory of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to rally his supporters and signal his determination to fight.
“As I said in Busia, Raila did not raise cowards. He did not teach us to run away from hardship or challenges but to confront them head on,” Sifuna declared. “Our Party constitution places a responsibility on us to fight for ODM. And fight we shall. Through all lawful means we shall fight for this great institution until the very end.”
The reference to Jaramogi’s fighting spirit and legacy of resistance against injustice is likely calculated to resonate with ODM’s grassroots base, many of whom view the Odinga family’s political journey as synonymous with the struggle for democracy and social justice in Kenya.
Show of Force: The Power Brokers Back Sifuna
The optics at Wednesday’s press conference spoke volumes about the battle lines being drawn within ODM. Flanking Sifuna were some of the party’s most prominent figures, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, EALA MP Winnie Odinga (Raila’s daughter), and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Governor Orengo, himself a legal heavyweight and ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, was unequivocal in his support: “As I stand here, the Secretary General of ODM is Senator Edwin Sifuna.”
The presence of Winnie Odinga was particularly significant, as it suggests that even within the Odinga family, there may not be unanimous support for the moves against Sifuna.
The show of force indicates that Sifuna is not an isolated figure but rather has substantial backing from key party stakeholders who share his concerns about ODM’s direction and the manner of his removal.
The Personal Opinion Defense
Addressing allegations that he had confused party positions with personal opinions, Sifuna mounted a vigorous defense of his right to freedom of expression.
“Those who have made accusations against me should come and explain how I confused party position with my own opinion,” he challenged. “I do not think it is correct to say that I do not have a right to a personal opinion. Raila told them that everyone in ODM, irrespective of the position, has a right to speak their mind.”
This argument cuts to the heart of a fundamental tension in political parties: where does legitimate internal debate end and indiscipline begin? Sifuna is essentially arguing that robust internal debate is healthy for democracy and that silencing dissent turns a political party into an authoritarian structure.
“We Will Go to That NDC”
Looking ahead to the party’s National Delegates Conference, Sifuna made clear that he considers himself still very much in the game.
“I am still the SG of ODM. We will go to that NDC. We are still members of NDC; these are delegates of ODM. No one can kick us out of the party,” he insisted.
The statement suggests that the battle for ODM’s soul will ultimately be decided at the NDC, where delegates from across the country will have their say on the party’s direction and leadership.
It also indicates that Sifuna plans to contest any attempts to exclude him from party processes and will likely seek court orders to protect his rights as a party member and elected official.
The Legal Battle Ahead
True to his combative nature, Sifuna has made clear that this dispute will be settled in the courts.
“We will challenge every illegality in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion,” he declared. “Surrender is not an option.”
Legal experts anticipate a protracted court battle that could parallel the dramatic 2014 case when the party faced internal rebellion from a faction led by some MPs who felt sidelined.
The courts will likely be asked to determine whether proper procedures were followed in Sifuna’s removal, whether he was accorded his rights to be heard, and whether the NEC had the authority to remove him without following the constitutional process.
A Party at War With Itself
The Sifuna saga has exposed fault lines within ODM that go beyond personalities to fundamental questions about the party’s identity and future.
On one side are those like Sifuna who believe ODM must remain a strong opposition force, holding the government accountable and offering Kenyans an alternative vision. They view cooperation with Ruto as a betrayal of everything the party stands for.
On the other side are those who argue that political realism requires engagement with government, that ODM can achieve more for its constituencies through cooperation than confrontation, and that Raila’s own decision to work with Ruto should be respected.
The fact that this battle is playing out so publicly and bitterly suggests that neither side is willing to compromise, setting the stage for either a dramatic reconciliation or a potential party split.
The Grassroots Question
Perhaps the most important unknown in this drama is where ODM’s grassroots base stands. Sifuna has positioned himself as defending the party’s core principles and resisting what he portrays as a sellout to Ruto.
“I urge our members to remain calm, steadfast, and committed to the ideals that brought us together,” Sifuna appealed. “ODM is bigger than any individual, and it must remain anchored in justice, transparency, and respect for its own constitution.”
If the grassroots rally behind Sifuna, the party leadership may find itself isolated and forced to reconsider. If they back the NEC’s decision, Sifuna’s defiance may prove futile.
Early indications on social media suggest significant support for Sifuna among younger ODM supporters who view him as a principled fighter, but the party’s rural strongholds may take a different view.
What Happens Next?
As this political drama unfolds, several scenarios are possible. Sifuna could win in court and be reinstated, vindicating his stand and humiliating those who moved against him. The courts could rule against him, ending his tenure as Secretary-General and potentially diminishing his influence within the party.
A compromise could be brokered, with Sifuna agreeing to tone down his criticism in exchange for retention of his position. Or the dispute could escalate into a full-blown party split, with Sifuna leading a faction that breaks away to form or join another opposition vehicle.
What is clear is that this is not just about Edwin Sifuna’s political future. It is about the future direction of Kenya’s main opposition party, about whether there will be a strong opposition voice to hold the government accountable, and ultimately about the health of Kenya’s democracy.
For now, Sifuna remains defiant, claiming his position, rallying his supporters, and preparing for the legal and political battles ahead. In a statement dripping with determination, he concluded: “I remain a loyal member and the SG of the ODM Party. I remain committed to the struggle for a fair, just, and democratic Kenya.”
The coming weeks will reveal whether that commitment will be enough to save his position and his party.
