Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has indicated that more leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could face consequences after Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna was removed from his position. Mbadi warned that actions driven by personal agendas risk weakening party unity and undermining collective decisions.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, Mbadi, a former national chairperson of ODM, stressed that the party must act firmly to maintain cohesion. He noted that even members without official leadership roles can disrupt the party if their actions or remarks conflict with established positions.
“There are people who don’t hold substantive positions in the party, but if their sentiments and remarks cause disharmony, then of course they should follow suit,” Mbadi said.
Preserving Party Integrity
Mbadi defended Sifuna’s ouster as a necessary measure to safeguard ODM’s structure. He argued that expecting a senior official to stay in office while pursuing a path contrary to the party’s direction was unrealistic.
“Sifuna was not just any other member; this is the Secretary General of the party. My position has always been that sometimes we pretend a lot about the direction Sifuna has taken. Any senior party official who takes such a trajectory has never remained in that political party. So it was a waste of time expecting a miracle out of nothing, to expect that Sifuna would remain,” he said.
Mbadi added that ODM is at a pivotal stage after losing influence following Raila Odinga’s reduced involvement, making unity and clear communication essential.
Addressing criticism of the process, he clarified that Sifuna’s role required conveying party decisions, not personal views. “The proper response to disagreement would have been to resign rather than contradict party positions publicly,” he said.
Following Party Rules
Mbadi explained that ODM’s disciplinary procedures are structured and confidential. The NEC’s recommendation to remove Sifuna, he said, aligns with the party constitution.
He added that the National Governing Council can appoint an acting secretary-general to oversee duties until formal ratification by the National Delegates Conference. Reflecting on his own experience, Mbadi noted instances where he and other leaders had adjusted positions to support former presidents or cooperate with the government in line with guidance from Raila Odinga.
Collective Decisions Above Personal Opinion
Mbadi emphasised that Sifuna acted independently in a role that requires adherence to collective decisions.
On Wednesday, ODM officially confirmed Sifuna’s removal after an NEC meeting in Mombasa. Deputy Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo will act as secretary-general until a substantive appointment is made.
“Effectively, Catherine Omanyo will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected,” the party said.
The NEC highlighted concerns over indiscipline among senior leaders and reaffirmed that ODM operates under its constitution, the rule of law, and decisions made collectively through its organs.
Sifuna’s dismissal followed disputes with party leadership over ODM’s approach to cooperating with President William Ruto’s government. Some leaders cited Raila Odinga’s past guidance supporting collaboration with Kenya Kwanza beyond 2027, while others insisted the party maintain independence, despite a January resolution by the Central Management Committee backing continued cooperation.
