Tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement have taken a new turn after Winnie Odinga publicly weighed in on the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, saying the party is losing its direction in the period following the death of Raila Odinga.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, she faulted the way key resolutions were reached, arguing that members have not been fully involved and that internal rules are being set aside.
The East African Legislative Assembly lawmaker said the current dispute goes beyond a single office holder and instead touches on what ODM stands for. She warned that failing to protect the party’s founding values would weaken the trust that supporters have built over the years.
To drive her point home, she shared the well known words of Martin Niemöller on the danger of silence when rights are under threat.
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Winnie stressed that the struggle within ODM is about “the soul, virtues and values of ODM” rather than personalities.
“I’ve said this over and over again, ODM is not an SPV. Many, many times, I saw the party founder change his mind on an issue because of the people. The biggest one for me was swearing in. He did not want me to know where he was, but eventually I found him. He took me aside and told me that he would die that day and didn’t want me to see him being killed,” she said.
“He had trepidations; he did not want any more harm done to his people, but the people told him that they wanted his swearing in. He accepted what the people were saying, and he went on that stage because he was prepared to die for his people.”
According to her, leadership in ODM must be measured by sacrifice and loyalty to members who have stood firm with the party through difficult times.
“If you didn’t put your life on the line for the people when they risked their own lives, then you are not fit to speak on behalf of the people of ODM because you simply don’t understand their sacrifice. That sacrifice is a qualifier for leadership of this party. The question is, ‘Do you understand the sacrifice of the people, or is it simply a tool of trade for you?’” she posed.
She added that ODM cannot be reduced to public shows or paid displays of support.
“ODM and what Baba fought for is not a joke. It’s not a footnote in history. It is not paying people to wear party colours and chant. ODM is not that simple. ODM believes in its people. It believes in its members, and ODM listens to its people,” she said.
Her remarks came after a faction of the party’s National Executive Committee met in Mombasa on February 11, 2026, and resolved to remove Sifuna as secretary general. The meeting named Catherine Omanyo as acting secretary general, removed Deputy Organising Secretary Caleb Amisi, and announced the party’s withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
Sifuna has rejected the outcome of that meeting and declared it null and void.
“Let me state without fear of contradiction that this action is illegal, unprocedural, and a blatant violation of the ODM Constitution as well as the principles of natural justice,” he said.
“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me, be they of indiscipline, insubordination or incompetence. Neither have I been invited to any hearing.”
He claimed the move was linked to his refusal to back President William Ruto in the next election.
“My only crime is that I have refused and oppose any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election,” he said.
Speaking about his nine years as secretary general, he added: “There is no single moment that Raila Odinga rebuked me in public in the discharge of my duties. We will challenge every illegality in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion. Surrender is not an option.”
A number of leaders aligned to him attended the Thursday address, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
Osotsi alleged that the decisions taken in Mombasa pointed to outside influence and an attempt to take control of the party.
“I am surprised that they went ahead and made very, very critical decisions of removing the Honourable Sifuna. We will not allow him to have his way,” he said.
Owino termed the sitting a “kangaroo meeting”.
“The illegal removal of Sifuna from office is not taken lightly by this team. The only mistake Sifuna committed is to fight for the downtrodden, to fight for the forgotten in this society, to fight for jobs for our youth and to fight against the high cost of living. A line has been drawn,” he said.
Winnie has previously questioned how the transition has unfolded. In a January 27, 2026, interview, she said, “The party has not fulfilled its mandate openly. Our party leader died; the party has not once come and addressed us as members to inform us that our party leader has died. They’ve picked a new team; the party has not once come to tell us they’ve picked a new team.”
She also took issue with the elevation of Oburu Oginga, arguing that actions by the NEC and Central Committee must be confirmed by the National Delegates Convention before taking effect.
“The Constitution of ODM says that no member of the Central Committee or the NEC can act on behalf of the party of ODM unless they’re ratified by the NDC,” she said.
At the same time, she expressed personal support for him.
“I think Dr Oburu is a wonderful acting party leader in this transition period… he’s weathering the storm.”
