Nairobi — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) CEO Oduor Ong’wen has dismissed claims that the party is plotting to remove Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, amid growing internal dissent and controversy over ODM’s cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking on Wednesday, Ong’wen reaffirmed that SG Edwin Sifuna remains the party’s official spokesperson and is authorized to speak on its behalf. “The Secretary General has the mandate to communicate the party’s positions on national matters,” Ong’wen stated. “He is also entitled to express personal opinions in line with democratic freedoms.”
His remarks followed reports suggesting that top party officials were considering a motion to oust Senator Sifuna due to his repeated criticism of the party’s agreement with UDA. Ong’wen clarified that no formal petition had been submitted and warned that any leadership changes would follow the party’s constitution.
“There is no process underway to remove Sifuna,” Ong’wen said. “If that were ever to happen, it would follow internal party structures and democratic procedures.”
Ong’wen also addressed growing public concern over recent violent incidents. “The ODM party does not support abductions or extrajudicial killings,” Ong’wen said firmly. “These acts must be condemned without reservation.”
His statement comes just hours after Sifuna spoke candidly on broadcast interview , where he admitted that ODM’s current direction had become unclear even to its own leadership. During the interview, the Nairobi Senator said internal contradictions and divided messaging had left him struggling to define the party’s values.
“There was a time I could defend this party in my sleep,” SG Sifuna said. “Now I can’t even explain what we stand for on key issues like devolution or constitutional rights. There’s too much confusion.”
Senator Edward Sifuna said the party’s agreement with UDA, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding, was no longer valid. He pointed to the recent death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody as the breaking point. “When Albert Ojwang dies in a police cell, that agreement is dead,” Sifuna said. “You cannot speak of partnership while lives are being lost.”
His comments drew sharp criticism from former ODM Chairman and current Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who accused Sifuna of undermining party leadership. “Between the party leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” Mbadi asked, in reference to Raila Odinga’s position at the helm of the party.
CS Mbadi insisted that all Cabinet Secretaries who joined the Ruto administration had Odinga’s blessing, and that their appointments were made following direct consultation between Odinga and the President.
“Sifuna clarified that those were his personal views,” CS Mbadi added. “They do not reflect the party’s official position.”
The internal friction underscores a larger debate within ODM over its political identity and direction, especially following the handshake-era alliances and ongoing bipartisan engagements. As the party navigates these tensions, its top officials are now under pressure to present a united front and restore clarity in messaging ahead of major political realignments.
No official response has yet been issued by Raila Odinga.
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