Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has weighed in on the escalating leadership dispute within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna cannot sustain his political prominence outside the party.

In a post on X dated February 13, 2026, Alai wrote: “Ati those who thought they were more important than ODM are taking ODM to court to remain in ODM, which they said is finished and unpopular that no one wants it.”

“Sifuna will not last another 3 months making headlines without ODM. The party is important.”

His remarks come amid a deepening fallout within ODM following recent changes in the party’s leadership.

ODM kicks out Sifuna

The ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved, on February 11, 2026, to relieve Sifuna of his duties as Secretary-General, effective immediately, during a meeting held in Mombasa. Deputy Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo was appointed acting Secretary-General.

ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga defended the decision on February 12, stating that the meeting was properly constituted. She noted that 34 of the 40 NEC members attended, with two sending apologies.

The leadership changes have triggered sharp reactions from sections of the party, with allies of Sifuna questioning the legality of the move.

Sifuna, allies push back

Sifuna responded the same day through a press statement, maintaining that he remains in office. “I remain a loyal member and the duly elected secretary general of the ODM party,” he said.

He added that he would continue advancing the party’s agenda in line with the wishes of the late Raila Odinga and confirmed that his Linda Mwananchi forums would proceed, with the next scheduled for Kitengela on February 15, 2026.

Sifuna also accused the current leadership of violating the party constitution by installing Oburu Odinga as deputy party leader.

Reprieve for Sifuna

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) issued interim orders blocking the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from removing Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General, pending the hearing and determination of his case.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Acting Chairperson Gad Gathu certified Sifuna’s application as urgent and granted temporary relief, staying the implementation of the National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution passed on February 11, 2026, to oust him from the position.

The tribunal further restrained ODM and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties from gazetting the resolution. The respondents have been directed to file and serve their responses within seven days, while Sifuna has been granted leave to file any supplementary response within three days of service if necessary.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticised the NEC decision, terming it unlawful. “There’s no way that illegal officeholders can remove a legal officeholder from office,” he said, linking the move to Sifuna’s advocacy for youth employment and opposition to the high cost of living.

The dispute has drawn interest from leaders outside ODM. DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa welcomed Sifuna, Godfrey Osotsi and others to his party, while Narok Senator Ledama Olekina called for dialogue.

The standoff is rooted in disagreements over the ODM-UDA cooperation pact and continues to unfold as the party navigates internal divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.