After ODM shake-up, Kuria challenges Sifuna to declare allegiance
On Wednesday, ODMs National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved to remove Sifuna as its Secretary General.
On Wednesday, ODMs National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved to remove Sifuna as its Secretary General.
The NEC further announced that Catherine Omanyo, one of the party’s Deputy Secretaries General, will assume the role in an acting capacity pending the election of a substantive office holder.
The lawmakers, led by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ on Tuesday rejected the claims outright, saying the accusations were meant to distract from their constitutional duty to scrutinise how county funds are used.
In a statement, Ruth Odinga said the backlash against Sifuna intensified after his interview on Citizen TV, where he raised concerns about the source of funds used in recent ODM-linked public conventions, including the high cost of helicopters, large tents and branded merchandise.
The memorandum of understanding, signed on March 7, 2025, by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, created a five-member committee led by Agnes Zani. Other members include Fatuma Ibrahim, Kevin Kiarie, Gabriel Oguda, and Javas Bigambo.
Sifuna said attempts to challenge his position outside formal procedures are invalid. He emphasised that ODM’s constitution clearly sets out how leadership changes should happen, including through a National Delegates Convention (NDC) if necessary.
Speaking in response to an appeal by Mama Ida Odinga for unity and consultation within ODM, Sifuna said he had taken her words to heart and was committed to preserving the party’s cohesion in line with the values of its late leader, Raila Odinga.
His remarks come at the backdrop of public spats by the National Assembly Minority Leader, Junet Mohamed and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who doubles up as Secretary General of ODM.
Junet challenged the Kenyattas and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to publicly deny his allegations.
The former president cautioned against politics built on hostility and destruction, noting that such approaches undermine national cohesion.
Addressing the issue on behalf of the party, Sifuna acknowledged that some ODM leaders had failed to recognise Kenyatta’s contributions, particularly during Raila Odinga’s recent presidential campaigns.
Her remarks come at the backdrop of claims by a section of politicians who say they held conversations with the late former Prime Minister privately and he told them the direction the ODM party should take even in his absence.