ODM Breaks Silence on Edwin Sifuna Expulsion Claims After Central Committee Snub
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson Gladys Wanga has firmly dismissed speculation that the party is planning to expel Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following his absence from a recent ODM Central Committee meeting.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Tuesday, January 13, Wanga insisted that ODM remains a democratic political outfit that allows internal debate, stressing that divergent views by party members do not automatically translate into disciplinary action.
Her remarks come amid growing chatter within political circles suggesting that Sifuna — who also serves as ODM Secretary General — could be sanctioned for his outspoken criticism of the ruling coalition’s broad-based political arrangement and for missing the high-level party meeting.
However, Wanga moved quickly to shut down the claims, arguing that freedom of opinion is a cornerstone of ODM’s internal democracy.
“ODM is a democratic party. Anyone in the party is allowed to have their own opinion,” Wanga said.
She emphasised that disciplinary measures only apply once the party has arrived at a collective and binding decision, which members are then expected to respect.
“Anyone in the party is allowed to have their opinion, but once the party makes a binding decision, then it should be followed. We are not chasing anyone away from the party,” she added.
‘What has Sifuna done wrong?’
Wanga went further to question the justification behind calls for Sifuna’s removal, asking critics to clearly point out any misconduct that would warrant such drastic action against the ODM Secretary General.
“What has Sifuna done wrong to be sent away?” she posed.
Her comments appeared aimed at calming internal tensions within the party, particularly as ODM navigates its role in Kenya’s evolving political landscape and its engagement with President William Ruto’s administration through bipartisan cooperation.
Absence from Central Committee explained
Addressing concerns surrounding absenteeism at the Central Committee meeting, Wanga said it was unfair to accuse party leaders of deliberately skipping crucial sessions without understanding the circumstances behind their absence.
She explained that Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who also missed the meeting, had formally sought permission after travelling to South Africa on official Senate duties.
“I have spoken to him several times while he has been in South Africa. He told me he would be coming back this week. He is on official duty and cannot suspend his journey to attend the meeting,” Wanga said.
Turning to Sifuna’s absence, Wanga revealed that the Nairobi Senator had communicated in advance, explaining that he failed to attend after missing his flight.
“Sifuna also sent an apology saying he missed his flight, so we cannot do a follow-up on that because it is something that happens to anyone,” she noted.
Meeting went on despite absences
Wanga further clarified that the Central Committee meeting proceeded as planned, noting that the absence of the two senators did not affect proceedings since the required quorum was met.
“As long as the meeting has a quorum, it can proceed,” she said.
The ODM chairperson’s comments are expected to cool speculation of an internal purge, at a time when the party is seeking to project unity amid heightened political scrutiny.
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ODM Breaks Silence on Edwin Sifuna Expulsion Claims After Central Committee Snub