ODM Postpones Disciplinary Hearing for Edwin Sifuna, Grants Extension in Internal Party Row
The party is expected to issue new timelines for the continuation of the disciplinary process in due course.
Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has deferred disciplinary proceedings against Nairobi Senator and party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, after its National Executive Committee (NEC)-appointed panel granted him additional time to respond to allegations levelled against him.
In a statement issued on Friday, April 10, 2026, the panel confirmed that it had considered a request from Sifuna’s legal team seeking further particulars of the charges as well as an extension of time to file his response before appearing before the disciplinary body.
“The Panel allowed the request, and fresh directions, including timelines, shall be communicated in due course,” said ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen.
The decision effectively pauses the ongoing disciplinary process, which had been initiated by the party over alleged gross misconduct and had placed Sifuna at risk of removal from his position as Secretary General.
The proceedings stem from a show-cause letter issued by ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, in which the party accuses Sifuna of repeatedly contradicting official party positions and resolutions, actions ODM says have undermined cohesion and created internal confusion.
Among the cited incidents are his media appearances on Citizen TV’s *The Explainer* programme on July 22, 2025, and February 3, 2026, where he allegedly described the ODM–UDA broad-based arrangement as “dead,” contrary to the party’s official stance.
ODM further alleges that Sifuna has continued issuing contradictory statements despite participating in internal meetings where official positions were agreed upon. The party also accuses him of engaging in unsanctioned political activities under the “Linda Mwananchi Initiative,” which it says fall outside approved party structures.
Additionally, the disciplinary letter cites his alleged failure to attend key party meetings, including a Central Committee session on January 12, 2026, as well as NEC meetings held on February 11 and March 4, 2026.
According to ODM, the conduct amounts to behaviour prejudicial to the party’s interests and discipline, in violation of Article 11(2) of its constitution.
Sifuna had initially been directed to respond to the allegations by April 8, 2026, and appear before the disciplinary panel on April 10 at 10:00 a.m., but both timelines have now been suspended following the panel’s decision to grant his request.
The internal dispute comes amid rising political tensions within ODM, with emerging factional divisions linked to competing internal initiatives, including the Sifuna-associated “Linda Mwananchi” movement.
About Author
