BREAKING: Inside ODM Plan to Ouster Edwin Sifuna and Replace him with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is headed for what insiders describe as a potentially explosive National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today, with deep anxieties mounting that the gathering could be used to discipline or expel senior party figures.
At the heart of the agenda are unresolved internal disputes, the controversial pre-election pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and the contentious future of the party’s Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna.
Multiple sources within ODM, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, have revealed a concerted push to remove Sifuna from his powerful post. The plan, allegedly backed by a faction close to party leader Raila Odinga, would see him replaced by Busia Governor Paul Otuoma.
“This isn’t just a routine meeting,” one senior ODM official confided. “It’s a showdown. There are people who believe the Secretary-General has been too independent, and the coalition talks with UDA have created major fault lines. Some members feel the party’s original ideals are being compromised.”
The proposed ouster of Sifuna, who is also the nominated Senator for Nairobi, signals a significant power shift within Kenya’s largest opposition party. Sifuna, known for his fiery rhetoric and organizational role, has been a visible and sometimes controversial face of ODM. Governor Otuoma, seen as a more measured figure, has been gaining influence and is perceived to be aligning closely with the party’s central command.
The NEC meeting is also expected to grapple with the simmering discontent over the “working relationship” with the ruling UDA party. This pact, which has blurred traditional opposition lines, has angered a base of ODM supporters who expect vigorous challenge to the government, not cooperation.
“The grassroots are confused,” a party organizer from Nyanza remarked. “We are told we are in opposition, but our leadership is shaking hands with the government. This meeting must clarify our position, or we risk a revolt from below.”
Political analysts suggest that today’s meeting could define ODM’s trajectory ahead of the next electoral cycle. “This is a classic case of post-election realignment and blame apportionment,” commented political analyst Regina Mwatha. “Internal tensions that were suppressed during the election period are now boiling over. The outcome will show whether ODM is leaning toward consolidation under a tight command or risking a fracture.”
As delegates converged on the meeting venue, the atmosphere was described as tense and hushed, with factions engaged in last-minute lobbying. The party’s leadership has not issued any official statement regarding the agenda or the alleged plans to replace Sifuna.
Edwin Sifuna could not be immediately reached for comment. Governor Paul Otuoma, when contacted earlier in the week about the speculation, stated he was “focused on serving the people of Busia” and that “party matters are for the NEC to decide.”
The nation now watches to see if Kenya’s flagship opposition party will emerge from this internal crucible united or deeply wounded.
