By Anderson Ojwang

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has moved to court to challenge his ouster by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Council (NEC) on Wednesday.

In solidarity with the sacked Secretary General, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late former party leader Raila Odinga, joined a group of legislators and Siaya Governor James Orengo at a press conference today.

Winnie had earlier written on her Facebook page, “It is not well,” before appearing alongside Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi, Governor Orengo and other leaders.

Sifuna termed his removal unconstitutional and a travesty of justice, saying he was ousted without being given an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.

“We have moved to the court and we hope to get justice in the court. Already our lawyers have moved to court. Let’s meet at the court,” he said.

Siaya Governor James Orengo argued that Sifuna legally remains the party Secretary General, claiming those who removed him lack legal standing.

“How can you remove a substantive party secretary general while your appointment was an illegality? The holders are in office illegally and do not have locus standi,” he said.

On Wednesday, in a brief statement, ODM NEC announced it had relieved Sifuna of his position as Secretary General and party spokesperson with immediate effect.

The move followed a protracted power struggle between the faction allied to party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga and Sifuna over the proposed pre-election coalition pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In a statement, ODM said:
“Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect. Effectively, Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the deputy secretary generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected.”

Earlier, Dr. Oburu had maintained that ODM is a members’ party governed by its constitution.

“The minority will have their say but the majority will have their way and so those with dissenting voices must respect the wishes of the majority. Democracy must be guided,” he said.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi had also called for Sifuna’s removal, arguing that it was necessary to pave the way for a coalition alliance with President Ruto.

Meanwhile, Mama Ida Odinga recently appealed to party leaders to preserve Raila Odinga’s legacy and avoid internal wrangles that could weaken the party.

“It is my wish that we can preserve the party in his honor as a matter of service to our country. I want to appeal to those Baba left in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for our country,” she said.

Earlier, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch had petitioned party organs to take disciplinary action against Sifuna over his stand on the broad-based alliance.

Interestingly, in a previous meeting, Oburu had described Sifuna as a principled and democratic leader.

“I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party this morning. He remains a sober and principled voice, embodying the democratic ideals we believe in as a party,” he wrote on his X handle.

Oburu added at the time:
“We are one. We are united as the ODM Party. As a leader, I believe we must encourage everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties—like ODM—grow through robust debate and unique challenges.”

Recently, a section of ODM legislators alarmed by what they termed as self-cannibalisation in the party urged Oburu to convene an urgent meeting to contain the escalating crisis.

The MPs, led by ODM Vice National Chairman Dr. Otiende Amollo, said the wrangles were worrying and amounted to a betrayal of the party’s founding ideals.

In a joint statement, they said:
“It is testament to how much we miss the wisdom and iconic leadership of our departed Rt Hon Raila Odinga, that divisive rhetoric has taken over our politics, without restraint.”

Sifuna has dismissed attempts to remove him from the party, arguing that those behind the move lack the capacity to eject him.

He claimed the plot to oust him stems from his opposition to efforts by a section of party officials to support President Ruto’s second term.

The fallout intensified after a recent television interview in which Sifuna said ODM was receiving parallel funding for the Linda Grounds engagements.

In the interview, Sifuna maintained that the Kilifi Central Management Committee had resolved that the party engage in coalition talks broadly, not exclusively with UDA.

“The resolution of the Kilifi meeting is clear and specific. It said the party to embark on coalition formation with other political formations in the country. There is nowhere it talked about UDA as the only formation. We expect to engage all the political formations in the country with a view of a possible alliance,” he said.

He further stated that ODM was prepared to field a presidential candidate in 2027, quoting the late Raila Odinga:

“Who told you ODM will not have a presidential candidate in 2027?”

Sifuna also maintained that Dr. Oburu and his team were serving in an interim capacity pending ratification by the National Delegates Conference.

In response, Oburu dismissed the claims, insisting that party officials were serving substantively.

“We want to state categorically that all party officials are serving substantively and supported by the party organs’ resolutions. However, the interview also contained assertions that misled the public regarding the legitimacy of certain party organs and office holders. ODM has, since its inception, demonstrated fidelity to its constitution and to the rule of law. The same principle has put every individual in their rightful positions, including that of Senator Sifuna,” he said.

On the issue of funding, Sifuna claimed that the resources used in the ongoing Linda Grounds rallies were not from official party accounts.

“The money and the resources you see being spent on the ODM rallies called Linda Ground — the monies do not come from ODM headquarters. For me, I can only account for the monies because I am a signatory to the bank accounts, and Timothy Bosire is a signatory to the bank accounts. The last money we expended as ODM officially was for the celebration in Mombasa and it was a fraction of what you saw there,” he said.

The legal battle now sets the stage for what could be a defining moment in ODM’s internal power struggle ahead of the 2027 General Election.

By Anderson Ojwang’

In a new political power play within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party has removed President William Ruto’s North Rift rival, former councillor Kipkorir Arap Menjo, from the National Executive Council (NEC).

Menjo, a seasoned politician and activist from the North Rift, has for decades opposed President Ruto and has been a key pillar of the late Raila Amolo Odinga in the region.

After the 2007 fallout between Raila and Ruto, Menjo became Raila’s key point man in the region and was rewarded with a slot in the National Executive Council.

During the recent party grassroots elections in Uasin Gishu County, Menjo was elected branch chairperson.

Menjo said, “I thought the party would have asked me to choose which seat I would prefer in the emerging circumstances. Nobody contacted me, but they instead went ahead to make a decision on my behalf.”

He added that it was unfortunate the party leadership did not find the wisdom to allow him to make a choice regarding his position.

Menjo believes one of the reasons for his removal could have been fears that he might side with the party secretary.

“I do not know whether President Ruto had a hand in my replacement. I just don’t know why they couldn’t allow me to make a decision,” he said.

Party members from the region expressed concern over Menjo’s removal, saying it leaves the region without representation in the NEC.

Arap Menjo was removed as Secretary for Devolved Government after winning the Uasin Gishu branch elections.

In a letter signed by the party’s Executive Director Oduor Ongwen, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma were also removed from the ODM NEC.

The three were removed from the party’s decision-making organ after being elected as chairpersons of their respective branches, thus disqualifying them from serving in the NEC.

Ongwen, in his letter dated February 6, informed them of the legal requirement and subsequently removed them from the NEC WhatsApp group.

“We write to formally acknowledge and congratulate you on your election as the ODM chairperson for Trans Nzoia following the recently concluded grassroots elections,” the letter states.

“As you are aware, your election to this county office has constitutional implications on your current position within the party. In accordance with Article 92 of the party constitution, which expressly provides that ‘All Party officials shall not hold more than one office in the party,’ your assumption of the office of county chairperson ipso facto extinguishes your membership as deputy national organizing secretary in the NEC of the Party,” the letter reads in part.

Uhuru Must Urgently Convene Azimio and Appoint Sifuna and Babu as Deputy Party Leaders
By Billy Mijungu

In moments of persecution the persecuted need a firm pole to lean on. Politics is not kind to the uncertain or the disorganized. When pressure mounts leadership must not retreat into silence. It must consolidate, project strength and offer direction. That is where Azimio, Sifuna and Babu abd others find itself today.

The Azimio coalition was built around one central candidacy. Raila Odinga was the flag bearer and the unifying force. When that presidential bid did not succeed the coalition inevitably weakened especially without visible leaders on its ticket, That is not an indictment. It is a structural reality. Movements formed around a single election cycle must deliberately reinvent themselves or risk gradual erosion. While party’s can be on a destructive path, others can be on a constructive one.

This is the moment for reinvention and Uhuru Kenyatta should urgently convene Azimio and restructure its leadership by appointing Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino as Deputy Party Leaders. This is to strengthen the coalition and also It is about strategic positioning. It will strengthen the spine of the coalition at a time when perception, messaging and firmness matter most.

Sifuna represents articulate defiance. He understands party structures, legal frameworks and national messaging. He is consistent and unapologetic. Babu Owino represents grassroots energy, youth mobilization and fearless confrontation. He commands attention in both Parliament and public discourse. Together they embody clarity and courage.

Azimio needs visible pillars. It needs leaders who can absorb pressure and convert it into momentum.

Political realignments do not happen overnight. Exiting a coalition or dissolving arrangements takes months. In that period narratives are shaped, alliances are tested and the public mood is influenced. Even three months of deliberate positioning can reassert dominance in national conversation. That window should not be surrendered.

ODM remains the largest partner within Azimio. But numbers alone do not guarantee influence. If the party machinery appears uncertain then the people must become the anchor. There is a growing perception that ODM has lost its negotiating edge with UDA. Whether real or perceived that narrative weakens the opposition space and creates room for speculation about eventual merger or quiet dissolution.

If that path continues Azimio risks fading into irrelevance.

The solution is reinforcement not retreat. Elevating bold and nationally visible leaders sends a clear signal that the coalition is reorganizing not surrendering. It reassures supporters. It unsettles opponents. It restores bargaining power.

Coalitions survive when they evolve. They collapse when they hesitate.

Azimio must choose evolution. It must choose clarity. It must choose strength.

The time to act is now.

Follow on Facebook X Instagram TikTok and LinkedIn @BillyMijungu

Forward #TusongeMbele

By Anderson Ojwang

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the government to declare the drought in Northern Kenya a national disaster.

Over 2 million Kenyans in the Northern region are facing severe drought and starvation after three failed seasons of rainfall.

The DCP party leader said President William Ruto should move with speed to declare the crisis a national disaster to allow for national and international response.

“President William Ruto must declare the drought in Northern Kenya a national disaster. Such a declaration will unlock the national and international response required to save lives, protect livelihoods and restore the dignity of the Kenyan people,” he said.

He blamed the government for lack of preparedness to tackle the drought situation in the region despite earlier warnings.

“Before a drought reaches its emergency phase, responsible leadership does preparedness. With three failed rain seasons, what was expected? Building of water pans, dams and allocation of emergency funds in time to those in need,” he said.

Gachagua said in a recent meeting the government allocated Sh4 billion to the 23 ASAL counties, which he termed low.

“This allocation translates to Sh123 million per county with 3.3 million Kenyans who are affected. This translates to Sh1,200 per person, which is way below the minimum food basket recommended by the United Nations of approximately Sh2,700 per person in rural areas,” he said.

Kenya’s National Drought Management Authority reported drought conditions in 10 counties. Mandera County, near the Somalia border, has reached “alarm” status, with severe water shortages leading to livestock deaths and child malnutrition.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday said up to 23 counties currently require drought response measures.

“We also need food to reach schools to ensure that learning is not interrupted. The ongoing interventions have been reviewed to ensure food supplies address the needs of sensitive and special sections of society,” he said.

Kindiki said the county drought steering committees will be fully activated to improve coordination and address delays in aid delivery.

“Food is taking too long to reach the population. We have directed that the committees be activated to deal with last-mile delivery. The water interventions are also being scaled up and procurement processes expedited,” he said.

By Anderson Ojwang

The Northern Kenya is turning out to be a crucial battle front for President William Ruto and the United Opposition, with former deputy President Rigathi Gachagua leading the onslaught on Ruto and the regional leaders.

For the second time in two months, Gachagua has come out gun blazing at the region’s governors and members of parliament for allegedly mismanaging billions of shillings earmarked for the region development.

He has accused the leaders for allegedly diverting the public funds to invest in Nairobi while the region wallow in abject poverty with no development to show for the billions disbursed to the area.

Yesterday, Gachagua trained his gun on President Ruto ahead of his visit to the region reminding him of the unfulfilled promises he pledged to the area and challenged him to them a reality.

Gachagua claimed the leaders from Northern region cannot account for Sh 1 trillion since the inception of devolution in 2013 and NGCDF and enjoy luxury in Nairobi while the residents continue to suffer from hunger and drought.

“The people of northern Kenya are Kenyans. Their hopes, struggles and shared aspirations are part of our shared destiny. A Kenya oppressed and neglected today is a warning to us all. We are one for all and all for one,” he said.

He said as President Ruto tours the Northern region he should address the emerging food and drought insecurities.

“We expect the president to address the water insecurity and food stress in the North, and from tomorrow disburse the Nyota cash in Wajir, Mandera and Garissa. This he should know, life is important and people are on the verge of hunger and death. In any case, the tour is to sensitise the corrupt leaders who have failed the people of northern Kenya,” he said.

Gachagua criticised President Ruto for turning the Nyota World Bank Project into a pre-election campaign tool.

The Northern woes

“Do not forget to tell the people of the North why only less than 35 percent have access to clean, safe drinking water compared to the national average of about 68 percent. In the North, over 850,000 school-going children did not attend school last year and the same this year. The schools in the North have no classrooms, no laboratories and no teachers,” he said.

Gachagua said the health situation in the North was worrying, with Mandera County recording that half of women give birth at home without a nurse or a doctor.

“Only six percent of children aged between 19 to 23 months are fully vaccinated. Garissa records the highest maternal deaths in the country, with 247 women per every 1,000 dying during childbirth,” he said.

He said in Wajir County, 90 percent of residents live in extreme poverty — the highest in the country — while Marsabit records 85 percent, and Isiolo and Garissa over 77 percent poverty levels.

The promises

Gachagua claimed that after President Ruto was elected, he made several promises to the region but never moved to make them a reality.

“On 25th November 2023 at Ngongalani Cultural Centre in Marsabit County while attending the Marsabit–Turkana Cultural Festival, you promised to connect the region to the electricity grid through the Lake Turkana Wind Power by the year 2024. We are now in 2026 and the status quo remains,” he claimed.

Gachagua said President Ruto also promised to construct power mains in the towns of Moyale, Marsabit and North Horr, but nothing has been done so far.

“As Ramadhan nears, give these people power. They do not need to cross to Somalia and Ethiopia for ice cubes,” he said.

He said the president promised that the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs would immediately construct fish landing and processing zones in Turkana County, but three years down the line nothing has been done.

Gachagua said the president promised that Turkana University would be granted a charter by 2024 to become a fully fledged public university.

“Between 4th and 7th February 2025, you toured Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo and Marsabit counties and delivered a cocktail of promises once again. You promised to put Mandera on the national grid through Ethiopia, but today Mandera gets electricity on a ration basis once every 24 hours,” he said.

He said the president also promised to put 1.2 million acres of land in the Mandera Triangle along River Daua under irrigation, but to date no progress has been reported.

“While at Mandera Teachers College, you promised to support improvement of educational infrastructure and recruitment of teachers in Mandera and the North Eastern region. Which single school has been built since then?” he asked.

Gachagua said the president promised improvement of Mandera water and sanitation supply at a cost of Sh3.5 billion to benefit households, but the project remains a white elephant.

“While in Wajir town on February 5, 2025, you promised that your government would connect 20,000 households to electricity and rural electrification at a cost of Sh3.6 billion, and to date not a single home has been connected,” he claimed.

He accused President Ruto of promising the region several projects running into billions of shillings that have never been implemented, blaming them for the high poverty levels and water insecurity in the region.

North Eastern is turning out to be one of the key political battlegrounds ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua appearing keen on entrenching himself in the region.

Will President Ruto allow his impeached deputy to entrench himself in the region?

By Billy Mijungu

That rebellious streak people complain about is actually the art of negotiation. It is the ultimate definition of value. A negotiator who cannot push back has no leverage. Edwin Sifuna embodies that leverage. There is no copy and paste version of him, just as there is no copy and paste version of Raila Odinga.

Sifuna today is the closest political reflection of Raila Odinga within ODM. The difference between Sifuna and others who were removed before is clear. Others were shown the door because they were not loyal enough to ODM. Sifuna faces removal because of absolute loyalty to ODM. He has refused to dilute the party’s values simply to secure comfort or temporary political convenience. He has insisted that ODM must remain ODM.

Identity is everything in politics. Tribe matters. Creed matters. Party matters. Associations matter. When identity collapses, negotiation collapses. Sifuna has consistently defended the ideological and political identity of ODM. He has reminded supporters and opponents alike what the party stands for. That clarity is power.

When you remove strong internal voices, you do not create unity. You create conformity. And conformity is political weakness. ODM’s strength has always been its ability to negotiate from a position of conviction, not submission.

When Raila exited the local political battlefield, ODM became politically unwell. If Sifuna is removed, ODM risks losing its spine altogether. A party that cannot defend its own identity cannot negotiate alliances, cannot inspire its base, and cannot command respect. It simply blends in and fades away.

If Sifuna goes, ODM’s bargaining power shrinks. And in politics, once your negotiation power dwindles, your relevance follows.