The Orange Democratic Movement is preparing for a potentially explosive National Executive Council meeting today amid reports that senior officials, including Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, could face discipline or expulsion, with insiders alleging plans to replace Sifuna with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma while addressing the UDA pre-election pact.
The Orange Democratic Movement is bracing for a potentially tense National Executive Council meeting today amid fears that the session could be used to discipline or expel senior party officials, resolve lingering internal disputes, clarify the future of the pre-election pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance and decide the fate of Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
Closer party sources have revealed that a faction within ODM is pushing to remove Sifuna from his position and replace him with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma as Secretary-General. The meeting, scheduled to take place at the party headquarters in Nairobi, is expected to attract all NEC members, including governors, senators, MPs, women representatives and grassroots leaders.
ODM insiders say the agenda includes a review of party discipline, financial accountability, the status of the March 2025 MoU with Kenya Kwanza and preparations for the 2027 general election. However, the overriding concern is whether the session will turn into a purge of officials perceived to be disloyal to certain interests within the party.
One senior ODM official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “There is real fear that today’s meeting could be used to settle scores. Names have been mentioned, and Sifuna is high on the list. Some want him out, accusing him of being too confrontational and undermining the coalition understanding with UDA.”
Sifuna, who has been vocal in criticising aspects of the government’s performance while defending ODM’s core principles, has faced growing pressure from pro-Ruto elements within the party. His recent ‘Linda Mwananchi’ tour and strong statements rejecting any merger with UDA have not helped his standing among those pushing for deeper cooperation.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, a long-time ODM loyalist and close ally of Raila Odinga during his lifetime, is being positioned as a unifying figure who could restore calm. “Paul Otuoma is seen as someone who can bridge the gap,” the source added. “He is respected across factions, has administrative experience as governor and is not seen as confrontational. Replacing Sifuna with him would send a signal that the party wants stability and unity.”
The meeting also comes at a time when the March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and Kenya Kwanza is under intense scrutiny. The pact, signed before Raila Odinga’s death in October 2025, was intended to foster cooperation, but many in ODM now view it as having outlived its purpose, especially after Raila’s passing.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother and current ODM leader, has remained largely silent on the matter, but sources say he is keen to preserve party unity. “Baba always preached dialogue,” one aide close to Oburu said. “He will want the meeting to focus on reconciliation rather than expulsion.”
The hardline faction, led by figures such as Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo and Babu Owino, has warned against any attempts to silence dissent. “We will not allow the party to be turned into a rubber stamp for UDA,” a source close to the group said. “If anyone tries to expel those who speak truth to power, there will be consequences.”
The NEC meeting is also expected to discuss the party’s financial status, membership recruitment and preparations for the 2027 elections. With ODM facing internal competition from newly formed parties like DCP and shifting alliances in Azimio, the outcome could shape the opposition’s strategy in the coming years.
Political analyst Dr Martin Ouma said the meeting is a make-or-break moment for ODM. “This is not just about personalities; it is about the soul of the party,” Ouma said. “If expulsions happen, ODM risks splintering. If reconciliation prevails, it could emerge stronger. Either way, 2027 is getting closer, and the party cannot afford to be divided.”
As delegates gather in Nairobi, the atmosphere remains tense. Security has been heightened at the party headquarters, and all eyes are on whether today’s session will heal wounds or deepen them.
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