ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has publicly defended the party’s decision to appoint Catherine Omanyo as acting secretary general, insisting that embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna must face the consequences of indiscipline.

Speaking during a Sunday service at Shalom Miracle Church in Makupa, Mombasa County, on February 15, 2026, Oburu emphasised that adherence to party rules is non-negotiable.

He noted that ODM has not chased Sifuna out of the party but went ahead to mock the Nairobi Senator’s decision to challenge his ouster, noting that he will remain a court SG as Omanyo takes over from him.

“If you don’t follow the rules of the party, you keep out of the party, but if you follow the rules, you will be part and parcel of us. That is why we have our SG Catherine Omanyo, and the other SG, party ilisema akae nje kidogo kwasababu ya kukosa nidhamu, lakini hatujafukuza yeye kwa chama. Yule ni SG wa court, na huyu ndio SG wa chama,” Oburu said.

Discipline

He stressed that discipline is essential for the party’s unity and warned that no one, regardless of their position, is bigger than ODM.

Oburu noted that he is also ready to be ousted should he go against the party rules.

“And we are not going to go back because there must be an example of discipline; someone must feel a little pain for being indisciplined so that the party can continue to be united. Hata mimi nikikosa nidhamu nitolewe, because there is no one who is bigger than the party,” he said.

Osotsi defends Sifuna

Oburu’s remarks come moments after ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi fiercely defended Sifuna, warning party leaders pushing for his removal that they are underestimating the resistance they will face.

Speaking at St Peter’s Olkejuado ACK Church during a Sunday service on February 15, 2026, ahead of the Linda Mwananchi public baraza in Kitengela, Osotsi declared that Sifuna would not be forced out of the ODM party.

He also confirmed that Sifuna has the backing of Mama Ida Odinga, whom he said had already given an assurance that the Nairobi senator would not be kicked out of the Orange party.

“Hakuna mahali Sifuna anaenda. Sifuna is going nowhere — even Mama Ida Odinga has said Sifuna is going nowhere,” Osotsi told congregants.

Osotsi went further to issue a bold warning to his rivals within the party, questioning why the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) had not recommended his removal as one of the party’s deputies.

He further claimed that he is worse than Sifuna, who is being fought from within.

“Na mimi bado ni deputy party leader, sijui kwanini walikataa kunitoa mimi lakini nataka kuwaambia kuwa mimi ni mbaya zaidi kuliko huyu Sifuna,” he said.

Osotisi also promised to fight for Sifuna, arguing that those against him are the ones who will have to leave ODM.

“Na sisi tumesimama nyuma ya Sifuna, tutasimama nyuma yake, na wale ndo watatoka ndani ya ODM; sisi tuko ndani,” he said.