The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally announced the removal of Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General following a National Executive Committee meeting held in Mombasa.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the party said the meeting resolved to relieve Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect.
ODM further announced that Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo will serve in an acting capacity until a substantive holder of the office is elected.
"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 party announced.
The decision has sparked debate within party ranks and among supporters, particularly in Nairobi, where Sifuna serves as senator and remains an influential political voice.
Amid the controversy, Ida Odinga has publicly defended Sifuna, urging party members to resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than exclusion.
She dismissed calls suggesting he should be pushed out of leadership, describing him as part of the ODM family.
“Sifuna is the SG of the party. He is the son of Raila. He is not going anywhere. If your father has died then should the children be chased away from the house? If you have a disagreement in the house, people should sit down and resolve it,” she said.
Ida, spouse of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, framed the dispute as a family matter requiring reconciliation and unity.