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Siaya Governor James Orengo has sparked a fresh internal rebellion by declaring that Edwin Sifuna remains the party’s legitimate Secretary General after he was kicked out by the party on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
The Governor’s defiant stance comes just 24 hours after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa, which announced the immediate removal of Sifuna over allegations of indiscipline.
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Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Senior Counsel dismissed the NEC’s decision as a “legal nullity,” insisting that a section of the party leadership and its grassroots base will continue to stand with Sifuna.
“Edwin Sifuna is not going anywhere. He is the one making the tough decisions for this party, and we will stand by him because he represents the soul of ODM. He is the spokesperson of the party,” Orengo declared.
Orengo highlighted Sifuna’s track record, pointing out that Sifuna has served the party faithfully for 8 years.
He added that the late former party leader, Raila Odinga, never once criticized Sifuna’s leadership during his tenure.
Sifuna successfully steered the party through two general elections and has remained its most vocal spokesperson.
“Over his leadership as the Secretary General, no single moment did Raila Odinga criticize his discharge of functions,” Orengo said.
Also Read: Edwin Sifuna Refuses to Leave ODM Secretary General Position
Fire Directed at State House
Orengo moved the blame away from internal party dynamics and directed it towards President Ruto. He warned President William Ruto to stop interfering with the internal affairs of the opposition.
“ODM is okay; the party is stable. The problem is not Sifuna or the leadership, the problem is President Ruto,” Orengo stated, claiming that the State is orchestrating the ouster of hardline opposition figures to weaken the party ahead of 2027.
The rift within ODM has widened significantly since the NEC appointed Catherine Omanyo (Busia Woman Rep) as the acting Secretary General on Wednesday.
While the “pro-government” wing of the party, led by Treasury CS John Mbadi and interim leader Oburu Oginga, insists on Sifuna’s exit, the “Linda Wananchi” faction led by Orengo and Babu Owino has vowed to resist the move.
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Siaya Governor James Orengo at past event. PHOTO/NA
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