Catherine Omanyo: With or without Sifuna the party will continue
By Cynthia Lodite, February 12, 2026ODM Deputy Secretary General and Busia County Woman Representative, Catherine Omanyo, has come out publicly disputing claims that Edwin Sifuna’s removal from the party will affect the party’s legacy.
Speaking during the ODM’s coastal tour in Lamu County on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Omanyo, who is serving as the ODM acting Secretary General, announced that Sifuna moved in pretence around the late Raila Odinga.
On her part, Omanya noted that Sifuna pretended to be Raila Odinga’s friend, describing that he is now trying to take a fraction of ODM members with him.
“Alikua anajifanya ni rafiki wa baba lakini, mnasema kikulacho ki nguoni mwako,” Omanyo said.
“Alijifanya karibu sana mwandani wa baba Raila Odinga laikini yeye ndo amekazana kuchukua fraction flani kuwapeleka mahali ambapo ata Baba mahali yuko amekasirikam” she added.
On her part, the Busia County Woman Representative called on ODM members to be firm and not get swayed by the movement, stating that the party is dead or will not be spearheading because of the removal of Edwin Siduna as the Secretary General.
“Kwa hivyo msimame imara bila kuambiwa kimeenda, kimekufa, kimetawanyika bila fulani hakuna mahali kitaenda,” Omanyo added.
Sifuna’s remarks
On the other hand, Sifuna has said that he remains a loyal member of the Orange Democratic Movement party and the duly elected secretary general.
In a brief press release statement read to the members of the fourth estate on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Sifuna thanked supporters and signalled to the ODM supporters that he will remain a loyal member of the ODM party and the duly elected Secretary General of the ODM Party.
“I remain a loyal member and the duly elected secretary general of the ODM party,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna has said that his record as the Secretary General speaks for itself and will continue to safeguard the values of the ODM party, as it would be the wish of the former ODM party leader, the late Raila Odinga.
Sifuna has noted that the ODM leadership has been acting contrary to the Constitution of the party and installed Oburu Odinga as the deputy party leader.
Sifuna’s next move
The embattled senator has said that the actions he will take moving forward will be informed by the values of the party, which he has promised to continue fighting for.
Sifuna has also announced that the Linda Mwananchi forums will continue and that he shall continue engaging with the people moving forward. He has announced he will hold the first forum after his ouster in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Sifuna’s ouster
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, announced that it had relieved Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of his duties with immediate effect.
Speaking in Mombasa, the committee announced that Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo will serve in an acting capacity until a substantive office holder is elected.
“The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG @edwinsifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect,” ODM stated.