Joe Nyutu blames Ruto for Sifuna’s ouster as ODM’s Secretary General
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, February 12, 2026Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has said that the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the position of the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has nothing to do with the party.
Nyutu has blamed President William Ruto for meddling with the party’s affairs.
Speaking in an interview at a local TV station on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Sifuna’s ouster is associated with Ruto’s intolerance of politicians with divergent views. Nyutu has slammed Ruto for pushing Sifuna’s ouster and said that the national executive committee of the ODM did not consider Sifuna’s principles as a person with the independence to give his own views.
“The removal of Sifuna has nothing to do with ODM but with President Ruto. If you recall, during the burial of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard, Ruto warned Sifuna against attacking him, claiming he is one of the founding members of ODM and that he would call a meeting to have him disciplined. That meeting was held yesterday, just as he promised,” Nyutu said.
Gachagua hints at working with Sifuna
Nyutu, a close ally of the Democracy for the Citizens party leader Rigathi Gachagua, has made the remarks days after Rigathi Gachagua hinted at a working relationship with Edwin Sifuna.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hinted at a possible alliance between the United Opposition and the Edwin Sifuna-aligned rebel faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking during an interview with K24 TV and several local Maa radio stations on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader included the Sifuna-led ODM wing in the broader United Opposition lineup.
“Kama hawa watu wa ODM B watatoa mtu akuje, kama ni Omtatah, pia akuje, tukae chini, tuulizane nani kati yetu ako na umarufu wa kutosha wa kusukuma huyu mtu aende nyumbani. Tutasikizana,” Gachagua stated.
He stated that if the faction fronts a strong presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto, such as Siaya Governor James Orengo, the current opposition principals who are eyeing the presidency would be willing to shelve their ambitions and rally behind that candidate.
He referred to the group as “ODM B” in their quest to unseat President Ruto in 2027.
ODM’s widening cracks
The NDC comes on the heels of a major leadership shake-up, with the NEC resolving to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary General with immediate effect.
ODM said the move was taken in accordance with the party constitution and laws governing party discipline, citing rising indiscipline at senior leadership levels.
“The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect,” ODM stated.