The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has expressed his readiness to assume the influential role of Secretary General in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), amid the party’s ongoing disciplinary proceedings against the current officeholder, Edwin Sifuna.
In an interview with Nairobi Review, Olekina clarified that he has not been formally nominated for the position but stated he would seize the opportunity if offered.
“When asked if I am being proposed for Secretary General, that’s not true,” he said. “However, I am open to serving in any capacity.”
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Olekina highlighted the Secretary General role as one he feels particularly suited for, citing his dedication and long-standing service to ODM.
“The position I know I can serve best is Secretary General,” he said. “I have given my all to this party.”
The comments come as ODM initiates formal steps to remove Sifuna over alleged gross misconduct, disobedience of party rules, and taking positions contrary to party directives. Sifuna has faced criticism for publicly opposing the party’s stance on the “broad-based” political arrangement and for participating in unsanctioned initiatives such as the “Linda Mwananchi” movement.
Sifuna has been issued a show-cause letter and must appear before a disciplinary panel by April 8, 2026. This follows a previous attempt by the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) in February 2026 to remove him, which led to a legal dispute at the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal and prompted a fresh disciplinary process.
On the issue of regional representation within party leadership, Olekina rejected the idea that the Secretary General post should automatically go to a candidate from Western Kenya if Sifuna is removed.
“The idea that if you remove someone from Western Kenya, you must replace them with another from the same region is nonsense,” he said. “We must focus on merit, not mediocrity.”
Olekina also criticised Kenya’s tendency to prioritise ethnic considerations in leadership, emphasizing that ODM should be guided by competence rather than regional identity.
“We are one nation. Why should we revert to tribal thinking and say he was a Maasai, so replace him with another Maasai?” he asked.
He added that party membership should be voluntary and not driven by ethnicity, noting that anyone unhappy with ODM’s direction is free to leave.
