Homa Bay Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson Gladys Wanga has dismissed claims that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was illegally removed from his position as the party’s Secretary General.
Speaking during a press briefing on February 12, Sifuna stated that he remains the ODM party General and that the decision to remove him from his position is illegal and unconstitutional.
Wanga Fires Back at Sifuna’s ‘Illegal Firing’ Claims
In response, however, Governor Wanga maintained that the party followed the right process in removing Sifuna from the position.
She has defended the decision announced by ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, stating that the Committee is well-constituted and that the decision is in line with the party’s constitution.
“ODM’s NEC is fully constituted by party members. At the NEC we had yesterday, we had 34 out of the 40 members of NEC attending and present and we had two apologies which means that the NEC is properly constituted and can take any decision in line with the constitution of the party and we want the whole party to move together forward but indiscipline cannot be mistaken for democracy,” said governor Wanga who was speaking at Linda Ground rally in the Coast region.
Also Read: Tribunal Stops Sifuna’s Removal as ODM Secretary General
Court Stops Sifuna’s Removal
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has since stopped the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the ODM Secretary General.
The decision was announced on February 12 after a petition filed against ODM and ORPP. The ruling bars the respondents from publishing the resolution in the Kenya Gazette, a step that would have formalized his removal, and will remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the application on the merits.
Also Read: Sifuna Issues Statement After Removal as ODM Secretary General
Sifuna Rejects Decision to Remove Him as Party SG
Speaking during the press briefing on Thursday, February 12, Sifuna maintained that no lawful party organ had summoned him, informed him of wrongdoing, or given him a chance to defend himself.
He said there were no accusations of indiscipline, insubordination, or failure to perform his duties as Secretary General, adding that any attempt to remove him without due process violated the ODM constitution.
He described the move as a coordinated effort by a faction inside ODM that, according to him, has aligned itself with President William Ruto in the broad‑based government arrangement.
“Let me state, without fear of contradiction, that this action is illegal, unprocedural, and a blatant violation of the ODM Constitution, as well as the principles of natural justice. At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me, be they of indiscipline, insubordination, or incompetence in the execution of my duties as SG. Neither have I been invited to respond to any complaints in and out of the party, on any matter that would constitute grounds for removal. Consequently, no lawful organ of the party has invited me for any hearing,” read the statement.
Sifuna was flanked by leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, a vocal critic of the broad-based government.
The decision by ODM’s NEC has sparked conversation among the ODM members and allies. Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has also dismissed the decision, defending Sifuna.
“There’s no way that illegal officeholders can remove a legal officeholder from office. The only mistake Sifuna or we made was to fight for the less privileged, for jobs for our youths, and against the high cost of living that is affecting Kenyans,” stated Babu Owino.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
