ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has firmly declared he will not resign or step down from his position, rejecting mounting pressure and internal calls for his removal amid escalating factional tensions within the party.
Orange Democratic Movement Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has declared he will not step down from his position, firmly rejecting growing pressure and internal demands for his removal amid escalating factional tensions within the party.
In a dramatic late-night statement posted on his official X account and shared in a live Facebook broadcast on February 12, 2026, Sifuna addressed rumours and reports that a faction within ODM is pushing for his ouster at an upcoming National Executive Committee meeting. “I will not leave office,” Sifuna said. “I was elected by the delegates of this party to serve as Secretary-General. No amount of intimidation, backroom deals or orchestrated campaigns will force me out. I will not abandon the position the party entrusted to me.”
The defiant declaration comes after weeks of speculation that certain party leaders and governors aligned with the Kenya Kwanza coalition are working to replace Sifuna with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma. Sources close to the party say the move is intended to install a more conciliatory figure who would ease cooperation with the government and reduce confrontational rhetoric from the secretariat.
Sifuna accused unnamed individuals of attempting to hijack the party for personal and political gain. “There are people who want ODM to become a puppet of the ruling regime,” he said. “They want a Secretary-General who will keep quiet, sign off on everything and never challenge injustice. That will never be me. I will continue speaking truth to power and defending the interests of ordinary Kenyans.”
He also addressed recent internal disputes, including accusations of financial opacity and unauthorised activities. “All party decisions and finances are handled through the proper channels,” Sifuna stated. “Anyone spreading lies about me or the secretariat should produce evidence instead of hiding behind anonymous briefings. I remain committed to transparency and accountability.”
The statement has further widened the rift within ODM, which has struggled to maintain cohesion since the death of founding leader Raila Odinga in October 2025. The March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition remains a major point of contention, with Sifuna and the hardline faction openly opposing any extension or merger, while pro-Ruto elements push for closer ties.
ODM Chairperson John Mbadi has not commented publicly on Sifuna’s statement but is expected to address the matter at the NEC meeting. Sources say Mbadi is attempting to mediate between the factions to avoid a full-blown crisis.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, widely seen as the preferred replacement, declined to comment on the reports. However, allies close to him said Otuoma was focused on serving Busia residents and had not actively campaigned for the SG position.
Political analyst Dr Martin Ouma said Sifuna’s refusal to step down could force a showdown at the NEC. “This is a test of power within ODM,” Ouma said. “If Sifuna survives the meeting, it strengthens the hardline faction. If he is removed, it signals that the pro-Ruto group has gained the upper hand. Either way, the party’s unity is at stake.”
Sifuna ended his statement with a call to members to remain vigilant. “ODM belongs to the people, not to any individual or clique,” he said. “I will continue to serve as Secretary-General until the delegates decide otherwise. The struggle continues.”
The NEC meeting is now widely viewed as a make-or-break moment for the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general election. With factions deeply divided over the UDA pact, leadership style and ideological orientation, today’s outcome could reshape ODM’s future.
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