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Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has faulted the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for ousting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General, warning that the decision could cost the party politically.
In an interview with Citizen TV, the Wiper legislator argued that removing Sifuna weakens ODM at a time when political alignments in the country are shifting.
“I can assure you, ODM will regret forever. This is now how they will never be part of government,” Maanzo said.
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He maintained that Sifuna played a key role in strengthening and expanding the party’s support in regions such as Nyanza, Western, Coast and Nairobi, attributing much of ODM’s national presence to that goodwill.
Maanzo alleged that the move to remove Sifuna was part of a broader strategy to align ODM with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a direction he claimed is not supported by everyone within the party.
“Without Sifuna, what is left of ODM?” he posed, adding that powerful factions within the party are opposed to working with UDA.
He further argued that partnering with UDA would contradict the principles ODM and Raila Odinga have long championed, claiming such cooperation would derail the party’s 10-Point Agenda.
The senator also questioned the legality of Sifuna’s removal, alleging that the party did not follow its own constitutional procedures in effecting the decision.
Sifuna has served ODM for a decade, first in an acting capacity and later as the substantive Secretary General, a position he held for nearly eight years before his dismissal.
His removal was confirmed on Wednesday, February 11, following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. In a statement, ODM cited concerns over increasing indiscipline within senior ranks and affirmed that the party operates under constitutional order and collective decision-making.
After reviewing issues related to Sifuna’s conduct, the NEC resolved to remove him from office with immediate effect.
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Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, who had been serving as deputy Secretary General, has taken over in an acting role as the party prepares for a National Delegates Convention set for March 27, 2026.
In addition to Sifuna’s ouster, ODM’s leadership announced plans to begin the formal process of withdrawing from the Azimio la Umoja One coalition, marking a notable shift in the party’s political direction.
Sifuna is expected to address the media on Thursday at 10:30 am.
