The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing renewed internal tension as its National Executive Committee (NEC) convenes today in Mombasa, with fresh speculation emerging over the possible removal of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
While the party has officially maintained that the meeting’s agenda is to receive a briefing from the Central Management Committee on coalition building and preparations for the National Delegates Convention, multiple accounts circulating within ODM suggest that Sifuna’s position is under serious threat.
Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi Senator, has openly opposed the broad-based political arrangement between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He has also been critical of a proposed pre-coalition agreement between the two parties, a stance that has reportedly placed him at odds with a section of the party’s senior leadership.
As the meeting approaches, stories circulating within political circles indicate that Busia Governor Paul Otuoma is being lined up to replace Sifuna as secretary general.
Those backing Otuoma argue that the party requires a leader at the secretariat who can work closely and seamlessly with party leader Oburu Odinga as ODM repositions itself politically.
However, Otuoma is not the only name being floated. Other accounts suggest that Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina is also being considered for the powerful party post, pointing to divisions within the party over who should take over the role should Sifuna be removed.
Further fuelling speculation, some of Sifuna’s known allies have reportedly been dropped from the NEC WhatsApp communication platform, a move insiders interpret as an attempt to isolate dissenting voices ahead of the Mombasa meeting.
The NEC is also expected to issue a firm warning to members opposed to the current coalition-building strategy, signalling a push for discipline and unity.
The outcome of today’s meeting is likely to have far-reaching implications for ODM’s internal balance of power and its future political direction.