John Mbadi: Sifuna has not been removed as ODM Secretary General
By Mustafa Juma, February 11, 2026Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has clarified claims that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has already been removed from his position as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General.
Speaking on the night of Wednesday, February 11, 2026, during an interview with one of the local TV stations, Mbadi explained that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had only recommended Sifuna’s removal, but the process is far from complete.
“Sifuna has not been removed; he has been recommended for removal by the NEC, and in his place, the moment you recommend for removal, then you put an acting until it is ratified,” Mbadi said.
ODM’s constitutional process
He outlined the party’s constitutional process, noting that the recommendation must first be tabled before the National Governing Council (NGC), which has the authority to appoint an acting Secretary General. The matter would then proceed to the National Delegates Conference (NDC) for final ratification.
“First, it should go to the National Governing Council, then it goes to the National Delegates Conference (NDC). The National Governing Council can appoint the acting Secretary General, who should effectively execute the mandate of the SG, awaiting the ratification by the NDC,” he said.
“I am happy that at least the party organs are now acting; they have acted within the law and the constitution of the party.”
Sifuna’s ouster
The ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, relieved Sifuna of his duties as SG with immediate effect.
The decision was taken during an NEC meeting in Mombasa on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. ODM announced that Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo will serve in an acting capacity until a substantive officeholder is elected.
“Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG @edwinsifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect,” ODM stated.
“Effectively, Hon. Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected.”
The move came after months of internal tensions within the party. Sifuna, who is known for his staunch defence of the late party leader Raila Odinga, had also faced criticism over ODM’s evolving cooperation with the government.