Oburu Odinga Clarifies Sifuna’s Status in ODM: “He Was Not Kicked Out”
In a candid Sunday address at Shalom Miracle Church in Makupa, Mombasa, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga set the record straight on recent rumors about the party’s embattled secretary general, Edwin Sifuna.
Oburu was quick to dismiss claims that Sifuna had been thrown out of the party entirely. “We have our SG Catherine Omanyo and the other SG the party said he should be out a little because of indiscipline, but we have not thrown him out of the party. He is the court’s SG and Omanyo is the SG of the party and we are not going to go back,” he said.
Discipline, Not Expulsion
According to Oburu, Sifuna’s removal was strictly from the position of secretary general—not from ODM membership. He stressed that the party values discipline above all.
“There must be some example of discipline. Somebody must feel some little pain of being disciplined so that the party can continue to be united. The party cannot be based on fear,” Oburu said. He added, “Nobody is bigger than the party.”
The ODM leader also pointed out that the party’s constitution allows for disciplinary action against anyone, regardless of rank—even himself. “If I defy the party position, I can be disciplined too,” he noted.
Interim Secretary General Reaffirmed
Oburu reaffirmed that Busia women representative Catherine Omanyo remains the acting secretary general. This comes after the ODM National Executive Committee resolved to remove Sifuna from the SG role due to alleged indiscipline.
Meanwhile, Sifuna has challenged his ouster in court. The High Court issued a reserved order preventing the party from officially gazetting his removal until his petition is fully heard.
Unity Amid Rising Tensions
The party leader insisted that ODM remains united despite growing tensions. He warned that the party would not allow external forces to cause division.
While Oburu and other ODM officials were in Mombasa, the faction led by Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino held their Linda Wananchi tour in Kitengela, signaling continued activity and differing perspectives within the party.
Also Read: Singapore-Based Kenyan Entrepreneur Launches Raila Airways
Oburu Odinga Clarifies Sifuna’s Status in ODM: “He Was Not Kicked Out”