Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has clarified that the Orange Democratic Movement acted within its rules when recommending the removal of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
He emphasized that the National Executive Committee’s decision is only a recommendation and that the final outcome depends on further approval by the party’s governing bodies.
Mbadi explained that the next steps involve review by the National Governing Council (NGC) and subsequent ratification at the National Delegates Conference (NDC), in accordance with the party constitution.
“To me, they have acted within the law and within the constitution of the party. The National Executive Committee has just recommended. Sifuna has not been removed. He has been recommended for removal,” Mbadi said.
He added that an acting secretary general has been appointed to manage party affairs while the ratification process is ongoing. “In his place, they have put an acting leader until it is ratified. The NGC can put an acting secretary general who would effectively execute the mandate awaiting ratification.”
According to Mbadi, the party is navigating a critical period following the departure of long-serving leader Raila Odinga, making unity and consistent communication essential.
“The most talked about party for almost two decades in this country is ODM and it is not by accident. ODM is at a turning point because a bigger part of the party has been lost, Raila Odinga. If there is any time that ODM needed coherence in terms of communication and unity, it is this time,” he said.
Mbadi stressed that as party spokesperson, Sifuna is expected to relay official positions and not personal opinions. “Sifuna is supposed to be the spokesperson of the party. When you are the spokesperson, you don’t speak your mind to the public contrary to what the party has resolved. You speak what the party has resolved.”
He urged party members to raise disagreements internally rather than publicly, explaining that once the NEC makes a recommendation, it becomes binding. “If you don’t want to communicate that position, the best thing is to resign from that position,” he said.
Mbadi also highlighted that political parties have established systems to handle dissent and enforce discipline. “Parties talk to their leaders, and if you can’t listen, they make a decision. A decision can be taken at the party organs. I’m happy that at least the party organs are now acting,” he said.
The NEC’s recommendation came after a meeting in Mombasa on Wednesday, during which the party announced that Sifuna had been relieved of his duties pending formal ratification. The party said the decision complied with its constitution and applicable laws.
“Having deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of the Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the NEC resolved to remove him from office with immediate effect, in accordance with party constitution and applicable laws, effective immediately,” the statement read.
