Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has formally asked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to suspend, de-whip, and possibly expel its Secretary General, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, over alleged gross misconduct and breach of party rules.

In a letter dated January 5, 2026, and written by his advocates, Aguko, Osman and Company, Oketch accuses Sifuna of repeatedly violating the ODM Constitution and the Political Parties Act. Oketch, who is a life member of the party, says Sifuna’s conduct has damaged the party’s image and undermined its leadership structures.

The motion cites several incidents, including public statements made on December 30, 2025, and January 3, 2026, in which Sifuna associated himself with rival political parties while presenting himself as ODM’s Secretary General and spokesperson.

Oketch argues that this behaviour amounts to promoting the ideology and interests of other political parties, which under Section 14A(1)(e) of the Political Parties Act is deemed as resignation from party membership.

Oketch further claims that Sifuna has openly defied party discipline by disowning ODM’s decision to support the Broad-Based Government arrangement. According to the letter, ODM entered into the arrangement through a written agreement approved by relevant party organs.

The senator argues that Sifuna’s public rejection of that position breaches Article 11 of the party constitution, which requires members to obey lawful decisions of party organs.

The letter also accuses Sifuna of illegally usurping the powers of the party leader. Oketch says only the party leader has the authority to negotiate political coalitions, as outlined under Article 16(1)(f) of the ODM Constitution. He argues that Sifuna acted outside his mandate by making unilateral political declarations on coalition matters.

Campaign funds dispute

A major part of the complaint centres on Sifuna’s remarks about ODM’s 2022 presidential campaign funding. Oketch states that Sifuna publicly discussed confidential party information relating to the sourcing and dispatch of campaign funds.

The issue gained public attention after Sifuna clashed openly with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed over the handling of campaign finances following Raila Odinga’s failed 2022 presidential bid.

“The revelation of such confidential information greatly jeopardises the party’s image and public standing,” the letter states, citing a breach of Article 11(1)(f) of the party constitution.

Oketch also accuses Sifuna of frustrating ODM’s objectives by undermining its efforts to form political coalitions, an aim clearly stated under Article 7(1)(aa) of the party constitution.

Based on these claims, Oketch wants ODM to immediately suspend Sifuna from acting as Secretary General, de-whip him from all parliamentary leadership positions, and remove his name from the party’s membership register. In the alternative, he asks the party to begin disciplinary proceedings that could lead to Sifuna’s expulsion.

The letter comes amid rising internal tensions within ODM, as party members openly criticise Sifuna’s political conduct. The dispute highlights growing divisions within the party following Raila Odinga’s death in 2025 and raises questions about ODM’s unity and leadership direction.