Faith Masita
A fresh political storm has erupted within ODM after Senator Dan Maanzo declared the removal of Edwin Sifuna as Secretary-General unconstitutional, warning that the party risks tearing itself apart over a decision he says could haunt it for years.
Speaking amid rising tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement, Maanzo defended Sifuna’s tenure and questioned the legality of the process used to remove him from office.
“Without Sifuna, what remains of ODM?” Maanzo posed, arguing that the decision undermines both the party constitution and internal democratic procedures. He maintained that Sifuna has the right to challenge the move either politically within party organs or through the courts.
“Without Sifuna, what remains of ODM?” Maanzo posed, arguing that the decision undermines both the party constitution and internal democratic procedures. He maintained that Sifuna has the right to challenge the move either politically within party organs or through the courts.
Edwin Sifuna has served as ODM’s Secretary-General since 2018, when he was appointed to replace Ababu Namwamba. At the time, the party described him as youthful, articulate and firm qualities that would define his eight-year tenure at the helm of the party’s secretariat.
Since taking office, Sifuna has been one of ODM’s most vocal defenders, often leading press briefings, shaping party messaging, and serving as a sharp critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration. His role positioned him not just as an administrator, but as the public face and political shield of the party during turbulent political seasons — including the 2022 General Election and its aftermath. Now, after eight years in office, his removal has sparked questions about internal democracy, party loyalty, and the broader political realignments reshaping Kenya’s opposition politics.
Maanzo warned that sidelining Sifuna could weaken ODM’s identity and bargaining power nationally. “ODM will regret this decision forever,” he said, suggesting that internal fractures could diminish the party’s future influence in government formation and coalition politics.
As debate intensifies, attention now turns to whether Sifuna will pursue legal redress and whether this internal showdown will redefine the future of ODM. The battle for the soul of the party, it seems, has only just begun.
