Migori Senator Eddy Oketch Formally Petitions Moves to Oust Edwin Sifuna as ODM SG
A simmering power struggle within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has erupted into the open after Migori Senator Eddy Oketch formally petitioned for the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary-General.
In a strongly worded letter dated Monday, January 5, Senator Oketch is seeking Sifuna’s immediate suspension, de-whipping, and removal from all parliamentary committees, accusing him of gross misconduct, indiscipline, and actively undermining the party’s authority.
The petition, seen by Flashnews.co.ke, was addressed to ODM party leadership and copied to the party secretariat. It alleges that Sifuna has repeatedly violated both the ODM constitution and the Political Parties Act, conduct which Oketch argues is incompatible with his continued role as the party’s chief administrator and spokesperson.
Oketch accuses Sifuna of what he describes as a “blatant and arrogant violation” of party rules by openly associating with rival political parties while still presenting himself as ODM’s Secretary-General.
According to the Migori senator, such conduct amounts to advancing the ideology and interests of another political party, an action which, under the Political Parties Act, is deemed to constitute automatic resignation.
The petition further claims that Sifuna has openly defied ODM’s decision to participate in the broad-based government, despite the existence of a written agreement endorsed by the party’s top decision-making organs.
“This is a clear breach of the party constitution, which obligates all members to observe discipline and comply with lawful decisions of party organs,” the letter states.
Oketch also accuses Sifuna of unlawfully usurping the powers of the party leader by allegedly purporting to negotiate political coalitions—an authority the petition insists is exclusively reserved for the ODM party leader under the party constitution.
In another serious allegation, Sifuna is accused of making public disclosures on confidential party matters, including sensitive details surrounding the funding of ODM’s 2022 presidential campaign.
The petition claims that such remarks have “greatly jeopardized the party’s image and public standing”, amounting to deliberate political sabotage.
As a result, Oketch is demanding immediate action, calling for Sifuna to be barred from acting as Secretary-General.
“Senator Edwin W. Sifuna be immediately suspended from discharging his duties or carrying himself as the Secretary-General of the Party,” Oketch wrote.
He further demanded that Sifuna be de-whipped and recalled from all parliamentary leadership positions and committees, arguing that he no longer subscribes to ODM’s ideologies.
Alternatively, the Migori senator has urged the party to either deem Sifuna resigned or initiate formal disciplinary proceedings that could culminate in his expulsion from ODM.
However, ODM’s Communications Director Philip Etale sought to downplay the claims, insisting there were no plans to remove Sifuna from his position.
Etale was responding to remarks by Nandi Senator Samson Cherarkey, who claimed Sifuna had already been dethroned as both ODM Secretary-General and the Senate’s Deputy Minority Whip—assertions the party has dismissed.
The unfolding standoff now threatens to expose deep divisions within ODM as senior figures publicly clash over discipline, loyalty, and the party’s future direction.
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Migori Senator Eddy Oketch Formally Petitions Moves to Oust Edwin Sifuna as ODM SG