Registrar Recognises ODM's Removal of Edwin Sifuna as Secretary-General

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has formally recognised the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General, updating the party's official records after finding that the process complied with the law.

The decision was communicated in a letter signed by the Registrar's Chief Executive Officer, J.C. Lorionokou. The ORPP said it reviewed documents submitted by ODM and found that Sifuna had not responded within the required timeframe. It concluded that the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) acted within its constitutional powers and that the removal met the requirements of the Political Parties Act.

The Registrar has updated ODM's official records to reflect the leadership changes, formally recognising the NEC's decision for the purposes of the national register.

ODM removed Sifuna following recommendations by its Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC), which investigated complaints about his conduct as Secretary-General. 

The NEC unanimously adopted the committee's findings, citing breaches of party discipline, including his position on the broad-based government arrangement. Acting Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo said the NEC's decision was final and that the party had completed all its internal disciplinary procedures. She said ODM was now focused on continuing its work under the current leadership.

Sifuna has challenged the Registrar's decision through his legal team. Senior Counsel Isaac Okero argued in a letter to the ORPP that the changes to the party's records were made in breach of the Political Parties Act and said they would seek legal redress.

The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal is due to hear the case on 21 July 2026. It will determine whether ODM's disciplinary process and Sifuna's removal complied with both the law and the party's constitution. While the party maintains that it followed the required procedures, Sifuna continues to challenge the decision through the legal process.

The case also comes as Sifuna is linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has indicated that it plans to form a new political party. The development has led to speculation about his political future ahead of the 2027 General Election.