Dr. Oburu Oginga, who chaired the session as party leader, said the move aligned with ODM’s constitution and applicable laws. The committee expressed what it termed “grave concern” over rising indiscipline at senior levels of the political organization.
“The NEC expressed grave concern over the rising levels of indiscipline within the Party, particularly at the senior leadership level,” the party said in a statement read by Catherine Omanyo, ODM’s Deputy Secretary General. “The Committee underscored that ODM is governed by its Constitution, the rule of law, and collective decision-making through its duly constituted organs.”
Leadership Transition and Interim Arrangements
Omanyo, who also serves as Busia County’s Woman Representative in Kenya’s National Assembly, will assume the role of acting Secretary General until the party elects a permanent replacement. The timeline for that election remains unclear.
The statement provided no specific details about the conduct issues that led to Sifuna’s removal, though party insiders have pointed to tensions over the direction of coalition politics and internal governance. Sifuna, a lawyer and outspoken political figure, had held the Secretary General position during a tumultuous period in Kenyan politics.
The removal marks a significant reshuffling within ODM, which has long been one of Kenya’s most influential opposition parties. The organization, founded in 2005, has played a central role in the country’s political landscape, including its involvement in coalition governments.
Coalition Politics and Strategic Repositioning
Beyond the leadership change, the National Executive Committee adopted resolutions formally authorizing Oginga to lead negotiations on pre-election coalition arrangements with other political parties. The discussions will be guided by ODM’s ideological foundations and strategic interests, the party said.
In a move that signals a major shift in Kenya’s opposition politics, the committee also resolved to initiate formal proceedings to withdraw from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition. The party cited what it described as sustained breaches of the coalition’s founding agreement by some partners.
The decision follows earlier remarks by Oginga, who declared the Azimio coalition was “on its deathbed.” He criticized recent changes implemented by former coalition chairman Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya’s previous president, saying ODM should have been consulted before any decisions were made given its majority stake in the alliance.
“According to the statement, the move is aimed at safeguarding ODM’s autonomy, integrity and strategic direction,” the party said, suggesting it seeks greater independence as it maps out its future political strategy.
Policy Priorities and Reform Agenda
The committee also addressed several policy matters during the Mombasa session. It reviewed progress on implementing ODM’s 10-Point Agenda and the National Dialogue Committee report, urging stakeholders to remove obstacles slowing reforms.
In a directive aimed at strengthening devolved government, the committee instructed National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to establish mechanisms ensuring a proposed allocation of 450 billion Kenyan shillings to county governments becomes mandatory in the supplementary budget. That amount equals approximately $3.5 billion.
On human rights, the party called for adequate funding in the forthcoming supplementary budget to compensate victims of rights violations. It proposed channeling those funds through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to ensure transparency and accountability in the compensation process.
The resolutions signal a broader restructuring within ODM as it repositions itself ahead of future political negotiations and alliances. With Kenya’s next general election scheduled for 2027, the party appears to be consolidating its base and clarifying its political identity separate from previous coalition arrangements.
Political analysts say the developments reflect ongoing realignments in Kenya’s opposition movement, which has struggled to maintain unity since the 2022 presidential election. The fracturing of the Azimio coalition, which brought together several opposition parties, could reshape the political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Sifuna has not publicly commented on his removal. His tenure as Secretary General included advocacy on various political and governance issues, and he has been known for his active social media presence and public statements on national matters.
The Orange Democratic Movement, which derives its name from its use of the color orange in campaigns and symbolism, has been led by veteran opposition politician Raila Odinga for much of its existence. The party’s influence extends across multiple counties, particularly in western Kenya and parts of the coastal region.
As Kenya’s political parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections, the changes within ODM suggest the opposition is entering a period of transformation. Whether these moves strengthen or weaken the party’s electoral prospects will likely become clearer as coalition talks progress and new leadership takes shape.
