Kenya's ODM Party Ousts Edwin Sifuna in Major Leadership Shake-Up

2026-02-11 region

Nairobi, 11 February 2026
Kenya’s opposition Orange Democratic Movement has dramatically removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his secretary general position, citing rising indiscipline within party ranks. The National Executive Committee appointed Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo as acting replacement during a decisive meeting in Mombasa. Sifuna, who led opposition to ODM-government talks, faced mounting pressure from party leadership aligned with cooperation strategies. The shake-up extends beyond Sifuna, with several allies including MP Caleb Amisi also ejected from key positions. This leadership purge signals ODM’s strategic pivot as it simultaneously withdraws from the Azimio coalition, fundamentally reshaping Kenya’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

From Television Defence to Party Expulsion

The dramatic turn of events represents a stark reversal from recent weeks when Sifuna appeared to have secured his position within ODM leadership. As previously reported, communication strategist Benji Ndolo had confirmed that party leader Raila Odinga never removed Sifuna from his position, dispelling speculation about his standing within the party [GPT]. However, the political landscape shifted decisively on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, when the ODM National Executive Committee convened in Mombasa and formally resolved to remove Sifuna from office with immediate effect [1][4]. The NEC’s statement, delivered by the newly appointed acting secretary general Catherine Omanyo, cited grave concerns over “rising levels of indiscipline within the party, particularly at the senior leadership level” [1]. The committee emphasised that ODM operates under its constitution, the rule of law, and collective decision-making through its duly constituted organs [1].

Catherine Omanyo Steps Into Leadership Role

Catherine Omanyo, who assumes the acting secretary general position, brings substantial experience in women’s rights advocacy and political leadership to the role [3]. Born on 7 July 1978 in Busia County, Omanyo graduated from the University of Nairobi in 2003 with a Bachelor of Education (Arts) after joining the institution in 1998 [3]. Her professional trajectory includes serving as CEO of Kenya Women Agenda from 2018 to 2019, Secretary-General of the Women Candidates Network Kenya, and Coordinator for the British Exchange Programme from 2007 to 2011 [3]. Elected as Busia County Woman Representative in 2022 on an ODM ticket, Omanyo has demonstrated commitment to social causes, overseeing the distribution of sanitary pads through a KES 10 million allocation in 2023 [3]. Her recognition extends internationally, having received the Thamani Awards in 2025 for girl-child education leadership [3]. The secretary general position serves as the administrative nerve centre responsible for coordinating party operations, communication, and compliance with the Political Parties Act [3].

Wider Purge Targets Sifuna’s Allies

The leadership shake-up extended beyond Sifuna’s removal, with several perceived allies facing ejection from key party positions. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, who served as Deputy Organising Secretary, was removed from the NEC and replaced by Governor Paul Otuoma [7]. Rift Valley ODM stalwart Kipkorir Menjo and Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma were also expelled from the National Executive Committee [1][7]. The systematic nature of these removals became apparent when those perceived as Sifuna’s allies, including MP Amisi and Menjo, were removed from the NEC WhatsApp group on Sunday, days before the formal meeting [1]. Amisi has vowed to challenge ODM’s decision, describing the move as “irregular and procedurally flawed” during a Radio Generation interview [1]. According to Amisi, he received notification of his removal alongside congratulations for being appointed county chair, highlighting what he views as the contradictory nature of the party’s actions [1].

Strategic Realignment and Coalition Withdrawal

The leadership changes coincide with ODM’s broader strategic realignment, most notably its formal withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition [5][6]. The NEC resolved to initiate the withdrawal process, citing “sustained breaches of the coalition’s Deed of Agreement by some partners” [6]. This move aims to protect ODM’s autonomy, integrity, and strategic direction [6]. Party leader Oburu Oginga dismissed recent changes by former Azimio Chairman President Uhuru Kenyatta, stating that ODM should have been consulted and declaring the Azimio coalition to be on its “deathbed” [6]. The NEC has mandated Oginga to lead negotiations for ODM’s pre-election coalition arrangements while directing Junet Mohammed to ensure a proposed allocation of KES 450 billion to counties becomes mandatory in the supplementary budget [4][5]. Looking ahead, the party has scheduled a National Delegates Convention for 27 March 2026 in Nairobi to discuss strategic direction and prepare for the 2027 General Election [4]. As Oginga emphasised during the proceedings, “This party is like a club, and you must obey the club rules; you cannot be a member if you contradict the decisions of the club” [4].

Bronnen

Kenyan politics party leadership