The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has clarified that it has not expelled Nairobi Senator and former Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, despite removing him from the influential party post over disciplinary concerns.
Speaking during a church service at Shalom Church in Mombasa, ODM leader Oburu Odinga explained that Catherine Omanyo has been appointed as the new secretary general, while Sifuna will step aside temporarily as an internal sanction.
“That is why we are saying we have our new Secretary General, Ms Omanyo. The other secretary general—the party decided he stays out for a little while because of lack of discipline. But we have not chased him away from the party,” Dr. Oginga said.
Oginga underscored that ODM will not tolerate indiscipline, noting that all members must follow party rules and face consequences if they fail to comply.
“We are not going to go back because there must be an example of discipline. Somebody must feel some little pain for being indisciplined so that the party can continue to be united. The party cannot be based on fear. There is nobody who is indispensable, including me,” he said.
Read Also: The Sh10.8B Red Flag: Talanta Sports City Cost Soars Past Treasury Limits
He added that no individual is bigger than the party, stressing that ODM belongs to the people rather than any single leader.
“If I lack discipline, then let me be expelled from the party. There is nobody bigger than the party because the party is for the people and formed by the people. The people cannot fear anybody,” Oginga stated.
Clarifying the current leadership, Oginga noted that while the court had stayed Sifuna’s removal—effectively recognizing him as “the court’s Secretary General”—the party considers Omanyo the substantive office holder.
“Those rules are meant for all of us, and they must be followed strictly. If you do not follow them, you fall apart,” he said, assuring supporters that ODM would remain united.
“Our party will continue to be united. We shall not allow divisive forces to divide us. What we shall not allow is indiscipline,” Oginga warned.
Read Also: Tokyo in Nairobi? Kenya Turns to Japanese Expertise to Transform Urban Traffic
Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga likened the absence of the party’s founder, Raila Odinga, to the fall of a large tree, noting that such a loss naturally causes tremors. She, however, expressed confidence in Dr. Oginga’s leadership.
“We will not forget what Raila used to fight for,” Wanga said, highlighting his advocacy for Coast residents against land injustices and his push for fair distribution of local resources.
She also pointed to the close working relationship between Raila Odinga and Oburu Oginga, expressing trust in the latter’s ability to provide firm and steady leadership.
“Raila never used to do anything without consulting Oburu. Raila was the hardware, and Oburu the software. They worked together. We know Oburu cannot mislead us,” she stated.
Wanga added that Coast leaders, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, continue to stand firmly behind ODM.
Read Also: Retirees Warn Young Kenyan Workers: Don’t Wait Until Retirement to Build Your Home
She also noted that the party, which has existed for 20 years, is preparing to reclaim power in the 2027 General Election, while clarifying that ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government is aimed at addressing issues affecting Kenyans, not merely sharing positions.
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp TelegramThe post “No One is Bigger Than ODM”: Oginga Clarifies Sifuna’s Ouster appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Read more at original source.
