Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has termed the national executive committee that ousted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna illegal.

Speaking in a press release in Nairobi on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Babu Owino noted that the national executive committee was illegally constituted, and therefore there was no way an illegally constituted committee could have the power to remove a duly elected party official.

“There’s no way that illegal officeholders can remove a legal officeholder from office. The only mistake Sifuna or we made was to fight for the less privileged, for jobs for our youths, and against the high cost of living that is affecting Kenyans,” Babu said.

Babu Owino described Sifuna as a victim of internal victimisation for defending the less privileged, providing jobs to the youths and the high cost of living, claiming that the rival camp had effectively declared war within ODM.

Sifuna rejects his removal

A fresh power struggle has erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna rejected his removal from office, insisting that he is the duly elected Secretary-General of the Party.

This comes hours after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) announced his ouster in Mombasa on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

 In his address to the press in Nairobi, Sifuna has dismissed his removal as illegal and unprocedural.

“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me… Neither have I been invited to respond to any complaints,” Sifuna said. Sifuna has further linked the move to his outspoken opposition to any plan to support President William Ruto’s re-election, describing that position as his only crime.

Sifuna flagged by other ODM leaders

Sifuna was accompanied by Winnie Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, among other leaders. He also accused a faction within the party of attempting to silence dissent.

Sifuna announced plans for a major political rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County, on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The leaders who accompanied Sifuna in the press release are a clear indication of the widening fault lines within ODM.