Lawyer and political strategist Saitabao Kanchory has urged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to rethink his next move following internal wrangles within ODM, framing the moment as a defining test of leadership and political courage.

In a statement shared on X on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Kanchory spoke about the choices before Sifuna and what each path could mean for his political future and influence. He laid out two possible directions he believes Sifuna can take at this critical political moment.

“Legally challenge the unlawful decision to remove him, in which case he has a good chance of winning. But he’ll lose the moment and the momentum and get bogged down with legal technicalities and mundane arguments, which will make him appear desperate to remain SG of the shell formerly known as ODM,” Saitabao Kanchory wrote.

He then argued that Sifuna could instead ride the current political wave and mobilise supporters outside the party structure.

“He could seize the moment and move with the present momentum to lead a mass exodus and protest walkout from ODM. This is how movements are formed and how great men emerge,” Kanchory wrote.

Kanchory further portrayed Sifuna as a political figure whose influence goes beyond party positions, saying he represents the aspirations of millions of Kenyans who regret President William Ruto’s leadership.

“Sifuna represents the aspirations of millions of Kenyans who reject the disastrous regime of William Ruto, and he must not allow himself to be shackled and defined by some role in a dying political outfit,” Kanchory wrote.

He further stressed that the present political climate offers a rare opportunity that may not come again if not acted on quickly.

“This is Sifuna’s moment and he can seize it or miss it. He needs to seize the moment,” he concluded.

Sifuna’s ouster

The ODM party 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 Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect,” ODM stated.