Sifuna Rejects ODM Ouster as Winnie Odinga Joins Defiant Camp
NAIROBI, February 12, 2026 — ODM’s internal war has exploded into the open.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has rejected his removal as Secretary-General, calling the decision illegal and promising a political counter-attack against the party’s top leadership.
Speaking at Serena Hotel on Thursday, Sifuna said the NEC meeting that removed him broke party rules.
“This was unlawful, unprocedural, and a reflection of bad manners,” he told reporters.
Serena briefing turns into a power show
The press conference looked less like a statement and more like a rally.
Sifuna stood alongside senior and youthful ODM figures who oppose the party’s growing ties with President William Ruto’s administration.
Those present included:
- Winnie Odinga, the EALA MP
- Siaya Governor James Orengo
- Embakasi East MP Babu Owino
- Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi
- Busia Woman Rep Catherine Omanyo
Winnie’s appearance drew immediate attention. Many insiders now suspect the party faces deeper divisions than it admits.
Omanyo shocks ODM with bold move
ODM had named Catherine Omanyo as Sifuna’s acting replacement.
However, she appeared at the briefing with him.
Sources close to the meeting say she declined the role. She reportedly chose loyalty over promotion.
“My only crime was refusing to be a yes-man”
Sifuna said ODM leaders targeted him because he refused to rubber-stamp a deal.
He claimed some top officials want ODM to support Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
“They want to turn ODM into a puppet of the state,” he said.
Sifuna also denied claims of indiscipline.
“I was never given a chance to defend myself,” he said. “No one has ever formally informed me of any wrongdoing.”
Kitengela rally set as March showdown looms
Sifuna and his allies now plan to take the fight to the grassroots.
They announced a major rally in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15.
They say the rally will help “reclaim the soul of the party.”
Meanwhile, the pro-establishment faction insists the removal stands.
The camp, linked to interim party leadership under Oburu Odinga, has compared Sifuna to past ODM rebels.
ODM will hold its National Delegates Convention (NDC) on March 26.
That meeting could either reunite the party or break it apart.
