Questions have emerged about the removal of Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), following a political discussion aired on the Political Ringside show.
The programme featured host Ashley Wanjiku in conversation with Davis Bin Oluoch, a rapporteur and researcher with the ODM Youth League, who offered insight into the internal struggles that led to Sifuna’s exit and what this means for the party’s future.
Edwin Sifuna joined ODM in 2013 after working as a journalist and steadily rose through the party ranks until he became Secretary General in 2018.
He served in that role until early 2026. During his tenure, he became known as one of the most vocal critics of President William Ruto and the national government.
Sifuna often spoke alongside leaders such as Babu Owino, forming a group of outspoken figures who regularly challenged the ruling side on key issues affecting Kenyans.
The discussion explored whether President Ruto played a role, directly or indirectly, in Sifuna’s removal. Davis explained that in the past, Ruto had made public remarks about the need to “discipline” some politicians, with comments that appeared to point toward Sifuna.
While these statements could be seen as normal political talk, concerns were raised because a sitting president was speaking about internal matters of a rival party.
Davis emphasized that Ruto does not have formal control over ODM since he is not a member, but the timing and political context surrounding Sifuna’s removal have led many to suspect outside influence.
Another major issue raised was the role of John Mbadi, who now serves as a Cabinet Secretary and previously held the position of ODM chairperson.
Just one day before Sifuna’s removal was announced, Mbadi publicly called for him to step aside.
According to Davis, this move reflected a effort by a faction within ODM that prefers closer cooperation with Ruto’s government. This group reportedly includes leaders such as Mbadi, Hassan Joho, and Gladys Wanga.
They are said to support aligning the party with the government ahead of the 2027 elections.
Davis suggested that this faction used its influence over party resources and meeting arrangements to secure a vote in party organs that led to Sifuna’s removal.
The discussion also examined the effect of the death of Raila Odinga on ODM’s unity. Raila had long served as a stabilizing figure who balanced different interests within the party.
His leadership helped prevent any one side from dominating. Without him, the group favoring cooperation with the government gained more power and was able to push through decisions such as Sifuna’s removal.
Davis believes that if Raila were still alive, he would likely have intervened to protect Sifuna or at least insisted on a more balanced and fair process.
Concerns were also raised about whether ODM is losing its independence. After the Gen Z protests and other political developments, the party entered a broad-based arrangement with the government, sending some experts to take up state roles.
Although this move was meant to help address national challenges, critics fear it has drawn ODM closer to the ruling United Democratic Alliance.
Davis reminded viewers that ODM was founded in 2005 as a center-left party focused on social justice, devolution, equality, and winning power through ideas rather than remaining in permanent opposition.
He added that while Parliament plays the formal opposition role, political parties must remain guided by ideology.
The programme outlined two possible directions for ODM. One group wants the party to negotiate for a stronger position within government, including possibly seeking top leadership roles in 2027.
Another group, mainly younger members, may push for a return to the party’s founding values or even consider forming a new movement if internal divisions deepen. The ODM Youth League plans to hold meetings to debate these issues and decide how best to respond.
The removal of Sifuna was presented as more than a single leadership change. It reflects deeper struggles over power, outside influence, and the future identity of ODM after the loss of its long-time leader. The speakers urged party members to pursue unity through open dialogue and to focus on ideology rather than personal or sensational conflicts.
They encouraged viewers to reflect on these developments as Kenya prepares for future elections, noting that what happens inside ODM will continue to shape the country’s political direction.
