Fresh tensions have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement after the party formally began disciplinary proceedings against its Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, citing a series of actions it says have gone against its leadership and internal decisions.
In a detailed show-cause letter signed by National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, the party accuses Sifuna of gross misconduct and repeatedly acting in ways that conflict with agreed party positions. The accusations range from his public remarks to his absence from important meetings and alleged involvement in activities not cleared by party organs.
“You are hereby required to show cause, in writing, within four days from the date hereof, and in any event not later than close of business on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against you,” the letter reads in part.
The letter further instructs him to appear before a disciplinary panel set up by the National Executive Committee under the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism. The session is scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10 am, although the exact venue will be shared later.
“Upon receipt and consideration of your response, you are required to appear before a duly constituted panel appointed by the NEC for hearing and determination of this matter,” the letter adds.
ODM has made it clear that failure to respond within the stated timeline will not stop the process from moving forward.
“Take further notice that should you fail to respond within the stipulated period, the Party shall proceed to determine the matter in accordance with the ODM Party Constitution and take such action as it deems appropriate,” the letter states.
The disciplinary steps follow a resolution reached during a National Executive Committee meeting held on February 11, 2026, where members agreed to begin removal proceedings against him over claims of misconduct.
“Take notice that pursuant to Article 74(2) of the Orange Democratic Movement Party Constitution, the NEC resolved to initiate proceedings for your removal from office on account of acts amounting to gross misconduct,” the letter notes.
Even as the matter unfolds, the party has pointed to provisions in its constitution that guarantee fairness in the process. It referenced Article 74(3), which ensures that any official facing disciplinary action is informed of the accusations and given a fair chance to respond.
One of the key issues raised is Sifuna’s alleged contradiction of party positions in public forums. The leadership cited his appearance on Citizen TV’s “The Explainer” around July 22, 2025, where he reportedly described the ODM–UDA Memorandum of Understanding as “dead,” a position the party says did not reflect its official stance.
“Despite participating in Party meetings and publicly conveying Party resolutions, you have subsequently issued contradictory statements in various forums, thereby creating confusion and eroding institutional coherence,” the letter further alleges.
The party also takes issue with his reported involvement in the “Linda Mwananchi Initiative,” arguing that it brought him into engagement with outside political actors without approval from the Central Committee, thereby affecting unity and direction.
Further, ODM accuses him of failing to attend several key meetings, including the Central Committee sitting on January 12, 2026, as well as National Executive Committee meetings held on February 11 and March 4, 2026. According to the party, such absences show disregard for its structures and decisions.