The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has taken a decisive step in its escalating standoff with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, formally summoning him before a disciplinary committee amid growing tensions within the party.
In a show cause letter dated April 2, ODM directed Sifuna to appear before the committee on April 8 to respond to a series of undisclosed but serious allegations.
The party’s letter states that Sifuna’s conduct, taken cumulatively, is prejudicial to ODM’s interests, discipline, cohesion and public standing, in violation of its constitution and his obligations as a senior official.
He is also required to explain his alleged failure to attend key meetings, including the February Central Committee session that resolved to remove him as Secretary-General, as well as accusations of initiating unauthorised political activities under the “Linda Mwananchi” banner, which the party says operates outside its official structures.
ODM further warned that failure to respond within the stipulated timeline would result in the matter being determined in his absence, in line with party rules.
The disciplinary action follows a recent ruling by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, which dismissed Sifuna’s petition challenging his ouster and directed both parties to resolve the dispute internally through ODM’s dispute resolution mechanisms.
The standoff comes amid deepening divisions within ODM, with rival factions emerging in recent months. A special delegates conference held on March 27 reshaped the party’s leadership, removing several officials aligned with Sifuna’s camp.
Oburu Odinga was elected party leader, with Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir as deputies. At the same time, Gladys Wanga assumed the role of national chairperson, moves widely seen as consolidating control within the party’s dominant faction.
