Former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Ababu Namwamba has broken his silence following the controversial removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General, delivering a sharp rebuke to what he termed as attempts to “rewrite history” within the party.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Namwamba dismissed claims that he was ever fired from the powerful party position.
“No one ever fired me from the position of ODM Secretary General,” Namwamba stated, adding that he chose to walk away on his own terms after becoming disillusioned by what he described as “everlasting party shenanigans.”
Namwamba said his decision to resign in 2016 was driven by principle and courage, insisting he left with his “head held high” and “pride intact.” He maintained that his tenure was marked by commitment and integrity, and that his departure remains one of the best decisions of his public life. While reaffirming his role as a founding figure of the Orange movement, Namwamba said he moved on happily and has never looked back.
Turning to the current state of ODM, the former Budalang’i MP urged party leaders to focus on rebuilding and strengthening the party, noting that its fortunes are no longer what they were during its peak moments in 2007 and 2016. “May the MV Orange retrace its original compass and put Kenyans’ best interests above all else,” he said, stressing that strong, well-run political parties are essential to a vibrant constitutional democracy.
Meanwhile, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya welcomed Sifuna’s removal, describing it as a political liberation for the Nairobi senator and a victory for Kenyans. Salasya congratulated Sifuna, saying he had “salvaged himself politically” and was now free to fight for Kenyans without party constraints. The outspoken MP declared he was ready to camp in Nairobi to campaign alongside Sifuna and join what he termed a new movement.
However, not all reactions were celebratory. East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Winnie Odinga expressed concern over the developments, warning that “all is not well” within ODM following Sifuna’s ouster, a sign of growing unease and internal divisions within the party.