Registrar Approves Sifuna's Removal As ODM Secretary General
Politics Updated: 09 July 2026 21:07 EAT
Photo courtesy; Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was the Former ODM Secretary General
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has approved the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, formally effecting a resolution passed by the party's National Executive Council (NEC). The approval updates the party's official leadership records after the conclusion of ODM's internal processes.
Sifuna's removal followed a decision by the NEC, which acted on recommendations presented by the party's Internal Dispute Resolution Committee. ODM maintained that the action was taken in accordance with the provisions of its constitution governing the conduct and discipline of party officials.
The leadership change comes at a time when ODM is pursuing closer political cooperation with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a move that has significantly reshaped the country's political landscape. The partnership has seen leaders from both parties working together on several national and parliamentary matters.
Throughout the period leading to his removal, Sifuna remained one of the most outspoken ODM leaders critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration. Despite his party's growing cooperation with UDA, he continued to publicly question government decisions and call for accountability on governance, public finance and constitutional issues.
His criticism frequently differed from the tone adopted by some senior ODM leaders who have defended the party's working relationship with the government. The differing positions exposed growing divisions within ODM over how the party should balance cooperation with its traditional oversight role.
Sifuna consistently maintained that political cooperation should not prevent leaders from holding the government accountable. In public statements, he argued that supporting dialogue and national unity should not translate into silence on matters affecting Kenyans.
ODM leaders, however, defended the decision to remove him, insisting it was based on internal party discipline and collective responsibility rather than his personal political opinions. The party stated that officials occupying senior leadership positions are expected to communicate and implement resolutions adopted by the party's governing organs.
Before the Registrar approved the changes, Sifuna sought legal intervention through the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, challenging the process that led to his removal. The dispute formed part of the wider internal contest over the party's leadership direction.
The tribunal did not stop the implementation of the NEC resolution, allowing the Registrar of Political Parties to proceed with updating ODM's official records after the necessary legal and administrative requirements were met.
Sifuna has served as ODM Secretary General since 2018 and became one of the party's most recognisable public figures. During his tenure, he led the party's communication strategy through several national elections, by-elections and major political negotiations.
He continues to serve as the elected Senator for Nairobi County, a position he won during the 2022 General Election. His removal from the party's administrative leadership does not affect his constitutional mandate as a senator.
Following the leadership change, ODM appointed an acting Secretary General as the party begins the process of filling the position substantively in line with its constitution and internal procedures.
Political analysts say the development reflects the broader transformation taking place within ODM as it adjusts to its cooperation framework with UDA while attempting to maintain its identity as one of Kenya's largest political parties.
The Registrar's decision formally concludes the administrative process surrounding Sifuna's removal, but the political debate over ODM's future direction, internal democracy and its relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration is expected to continue as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
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FELIX MAKONA
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