ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga Issues Show‑Cause Letter to SG Edwin Sifuna; Sets Disciplinary Hearing for April 10
Politics Updated: 03 April 2026 16:11 EAT
ODM nationwide chairperson Gladys Wanga
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally moved to discipline its Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, amid escalating internal tensions within Kenya’s leading opposition party.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga on Thursday, April 2, issued Sifuna a formal show‑cause letter over allegations of gross misconduct and repeated contravention of party resolutions. The move marks a significant escalation in the party’s internal power struggle.
In the letter signed by Wanga, the party accuses Sifuna of undermining collective authority through public statements that contradicted agreed party positions. One of the key examples cited was a media appearance in July 2025 where he reportedly declared the ODM‑UDA Memorandum of Understanding “dead,” a remark that the party says conflicted with official decisions.
The notice also highlighted allegations that Sifuna failed to attend key meetings, including sessions of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Central Committee in early 2026, and engaged in political initiatives outside the party’s framework, particularly through the so‑called Linda Mwananchi Initiative.
Wanga has given Sifuna four days to respond in writing to the allegations, with a deadline set for Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The show‑cause letter makes clear that failure to meet this timeline could prompt the party to proceed with disciplinary action in his absence.
Following the response period, Sifuna is required to appear before a disciplinary panel appointed by the NEC on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at a venue to be communicated later. The hearing will determine whether disciplinary measures, including his potential removal as Secretary General, should be pursued.
The disciplinary move stems from an NEC resolution on February 11, 2026, which initiated proceedings for Sifuna’s removal on grounds of gross misconduct. However, the matter was earlier brought before the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, which ruled that internal dispute resolution mechanisms must first be exhausted before removal actions can proceed.
ODM leaders have stressed that the current process is grounded in constitutional safeguards to ensure a fair hearing and that Sifuna’s rights to defend himself will be respected. Article 74 of the ODM Party Constitution, cited in the letter, guarantees officials the right to be notified of allegations and afforded an opportunity to respond.
Sifuna’s critics within the party argue that his conduct has been prejudicial to ODM’s unity, discipline and public standing. They contend that his public disagreements with party resolutions and involvement in parallel political activities have sown confusion among members.
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