National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has publicly welcomed the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, terming the decision necessary to safeguard the party’s legacy.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKL Live on Wednesday, February 11, Mbadi said he was “very excited” about Sifuna’s dismissal.
He claimed he had been disturbed by the senator’s conduct in recent months.
“I am very excited that Sifuna has been fired as SG of ODM. I have been so depressed seeing what he was doing for ODM,” Mbadi said during the interview.
The CS linked his remarks to the legacy of ODM leader Raila Odinga, arguing that party officials must uphold internal cohesion and respect established structures. Mbadi questioned the consistency of leaders who profess loyalty to Raila while allegedly undermining the party.
“If you’re claiming to like Raila and you want to destroy his party months after his death, it is not fair to his legacy,” he stated.
Mbadi further criticized what he described as a lack of decorum in party communication, saying senior officials must differentiate between political rhetoric and formal party engagements. He suggested that the role of Secretary General demands restraint and discipline.
“I expected Sifuna to have become Secretary General who would be humble enough to accept that there are things that you can say in rallies and things that you can say in boardrooms,” Mbadi said.
“What I don’t agree with is showing disrespect to the party.”
Sifuna’s removal followed a National Executive Committee meeting held in Mombasa, where party officials resolved to relieve him of his duties with immediate effect.
Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo was appointed to act in the position pending the election of a substantive office holder.
The development comes amid internal tensions within ODM, particularly over recent political realignments and the party’s stance in national politics.
The leadership changes are expected to shape ODM’s internal dynamics as the party navigates a shifting political landscape.