The removal of embattled Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has thrown the party into turmoil, with credible claims emerging that powerful forces beyond the party may have influenced the decision.
The developments were dissected on Political Ringside, a fast-growing and trusted platform known for its sharp and credible political analysis in Kenya.
The programme hosted ODM Youth League insider Davis Bin Oluoch, who offered a candid account of the events leading to Sifuna’s dramatic fall.
Political Ringside Exposes Power Play
Sifuna, who joined ODM in 2013 and became Secretary General in 2018, built his profile as one of President William Ruto’s fiercest critics. His combative style often placed him at the centre of national political debate.
Speaking on Political Ringside, Oluoch revealed that President Ruto had previously hinted publicly that Sifuna would face political discipline. “That statement was not casual. It was both a message and rhetoric,” he said, suggesting it signalled what was to come.
The situation intensified when Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, a former long serving ODM chairperson, openly declared that Sifuna would be removed. Within a day, the announcement was implemented.
Oluoch told Political Ringside that Mbadi and like minded leaders wield significant influence within ODM, describing them as a powerful internal establishment. He claimed the President’s hand in Sifuna’s removal could have been either direct or indirect.
“The President wanted a strong ODM that would support him. Sifuna was seen as a stumbling block in negotiations,” Oluoch stated during the programme.
ODM At A Crossroads
Political Ringside further highlighted the impact of Raila Odinga’s death on the party’s internal balance of power. According to Oluoch, Raila had acted as a political firewall protecting dissenting voices like Sifuna.
“With Raila gone, the camp that wants to work with President Ruto ahead of 2027 has gained ground. They now have the majority and more state influence,” he said.
Oluoch maintained that ODM remains a social democratic movement party founded to form government, not merely to oppose. However, he warned that widening internal divisions could weaken its ideological foundation anchored on social justice, freedoms and devolution.
As analysed on Political Ringside, ODM now faces two clear options: negotiate a power sharing path towards 2027, or rebuild and reposition itself with new leadership and a fresh presidential bid.
With tensions simmering, all eyes remain on ODM as Kenya’s political landscape continues to shift.