A deepening power struggle within the Orange Democratic Movement has now escalated into a formal push to eject Edwin Sifuna from his influential role as Secretary General, signaling a decisive shift in the party’s internal dynamics.
In a letter dated Thursday, April 2, and signed by party chairperson Gladys Wanga, Sifuna was summoned to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee on April 8 to answer to multiple allegations. Chief among them is his repeated public dissent from official party positions, including his rejection of a pre-election pact involving William Ruto’s UDA party.
The letter accuses Sifuna of undermining party cohesion by issuing statements that contradict resolutions he participated in formulating. ODM argues that his conduct has caused confusion and damaged the party’s public image, citing violations of its constitution.
Additionally, Sifuna is faulted for skipping key meetings, including a February Central Committee session that resolved to remove him from the SG position. He is also accused of spearheading unauthorized political activities under the “Linda Mwananchi” banner, which the party claims operates outside its official structures.
The disciplinary move follows a ruling by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, which dismissed Sifuna’s petition challenging his removal and directed both parties to resolve the dispute internally.
ODM has recently been rocked by factional battles, with rival camps emerging around “Linda Mwananchi” and “Linda Ground.” Leadership changes at the party’s National Delegates Conference further cemented the shake-up, intensifying the standoff.