Orange Democratic Movement Communications Director Philip Etale has defended political party disciplinary processes, describing them as lawful and guided by internal party mechanisms while citing the removal of UDA’s Secretary General as an example of similar actions in other parties.

Speaking during an interview with a local station on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Etale said the matter involving the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was not an abrupt decision but the culmination of a prolonged internal process.

“Actually, it’s not just the decision that was made by the NEC. It’s a process. It’s been a long, protracted process that has been going on for quite some time,” he said.

He explained that the dispute dates back to January 2026, with several legal and internal interventions shaping the outcome.

“The first time this decision was made was sometime in January. Then Senator Sifuna moved to court to stop any proceedings that would lead to his ouster from the position,” Etale noted.

Internal disciplinary measures

He further pointed to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), which he said directed that the matter be handled internally before returning for adjudication if necessary.

“The PPDT made a ruling on the 26th of March, which said that this matter should be handled internally… before they were exhausted through the internal disputes resolution mechanisms of the party,” he said.

Defending the move, Etale argued that political parties are structured like members’ clubs with clear rules and ideological expectations.

“Every political party has its way of doing things, and it’s bound by law to take action against any member that doesn’t propagate the party ideology… A political party is like a members’ club,” he said.

He also cited past actions of other parties, including the United Democracy Alliance (UDA), to justify internal disciplinary measures.

“We’ve had UDA ousting the SG, and nobody has made a noise. You know, every political party has their way of doing things; it’s bound by law to take action against any member that doesn’t propagate the party ideology,” Etale said.

ODM removes Sifuna

The ODM on Monday, June 22, 2026, removed Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General following a party disciplinary process that endorsed recommendations of its internal dispute resolution committee.

ODM interim Secretary General Catherine Omanyo said the decision followed a review conducted in line with the party constitution.

“The party’s internal dispute resolution committee that was constituted in accordance with Article 51-3-F of the party constitution heard and determined the complaint concerning Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna in his capacity as the Secretary-General,” Omanyo said.