Edwin Sifuna. Photo/Courtesy
Tension is rising within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after allies of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna were reportedly removed from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) communication platform ahead of a crucial meeting in Mombasa.
The development comes just hours before the NEC convenes for what is officially described as a session to receive a briefing from the Central Management Committee on coalition building and preparations for the National Delegates Convention.
However, party insiders say the fate of Sifuna could dominate the closed-door discussions.
According to sources familiar with the internal arrangements, several individuals considered close to the Nairobi Senator were dropped from the NEC WhatsApp platform, a move interpreted by some as an attempt to isolate dissenting voices.
The action has fuelled speculation that a broader restructuring within the party’s secretariat may be imminent.
Sifuna has in recent months publicly opposed the broad-based political arrangement between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He has also voiced resistance to a possible pre-coalition agreement, positions that have reportedly placed him at odds with a section of the party’s leadership.
As the meeting gets underway, speculation continues to swirl over who could replace him should the NEC decide to make changes.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina are among names being mentioned in party circles as potential successors.
The NEC is also expected to address internal discipline and unity, particularly among members seen as critical of the party’s current direction on coalition politics.
The outcome of the Mombasa meeting could significantly reshape ODM’s leadership structure and signal the party’s next political steps ahead of upcoming national engagements.