Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the removal of Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General, linking the decision to Sifuna’s opposition to the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa, ODM announced it had resolved to relieve Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect.
The party said Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo will act in the position pending the election of a substantive office holder.
"Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect. Effectively, Hon. Catherine Omanyo who is one of the Deputy Secretary General, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office will be elected," the ODM party announced.
Sifuna’s removal comes in the wake of his public opposition to the proposed broad-based government arrangement and the pre-coalition agreement between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.
The Nairobi Senator had previously expressed reservations about the deal, arguing that it risked weakening the opposition’s oversight role.
Reacting on X, Kabando claimed the move signals a wider purge within the party and warned that other senior leaders could be pushed out. He mentioned Babu Owino, James Orengo, Godfrey Osotsi and Caleb Amisi as among those he suggested may be heading for the exit.
“Minus Edwin Sifuna, with Babu Owino, James Orengo, Godfrey Osotsi, Caleb Amisi, et al, heading to exit door, ODM is as dead as a dodo,” Kabando wrote.
He further alleged that the changes were part of a broader political strategy aimed at dismantling what he described as a united opposition.
According to Kabando, any attempt to weaken opposition unity would have significant consequences for Kenya’s democratic space.
The development adds to ongoing political realignments as parties reassess alliances and internal leadership structures ahead of the next electoral cycle.