Cherargei backs Sifuna, says he remains ODM Secretary general despite removal reports

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has come out strongly in defense of his Nairobi counterpart Edwin Sifuna, declaring that the ODM politician is still the legitimate Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement and cannot be removed except through his own resignation.

The remarks come amid reports and speculation that there are ongoing efforts within ODM circles to oust Sifuna from the party’s top administrative position.

Cherargei’s public backing of a senior ODM official has also drawn attention because the two senators sit on opposite sides of the political divide.

Speaking in reaction to media reports about a possible leadership shake-up in ODM, Senator Cherargei dismissed the claims and affirmed Sifuna’s position.

“Edwin Sifuna is and will remain the Secretary General of the ODM Party unless he resigns,” Cherargei stated.

The Nandi Senator emphasized that party positions should not be handled through rumors or backdoor maneuvers. Instead, he said, any changes must follow due process as outlined in party constitutions and the Political Parties Act.

He urged all political parties in Kenya to respect their own internal democracy and laid-down procedures when dealing with leadership matters.

“Political parties must follow the laid-down procedures when making changes to their leadership structures,” he added.

Over the past few days, there has been chatter in political circles and on social media about alleged plans to remove Sifuna as ODM Secretary General.

While ODM has not issued an official communication confirming such a move, the speculation gained traction after a series of public disagreements between Sifuna and some senior party leaders over party direction and political strategy.

Sifuna, who is also the Nairobi Senator, has in recent months positioned himself as a vocal critic of government policies and a defender of opposition positions. That outspoken style has at times put him at odds with elements within the broader political establishment.

The reports of a possible removal sparked debate online, with supporters and critics weighing in on whether the party should make changes at the Secretariat.

Edwin Wanyonyi Sifuna is one of ODM’s most visible faces. Elected Nairobi Senator, he also serves as the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement, a position he has held for several years.

Known for his fiery speeches and active presence on social media, Sifuna has become the party’s chief spokesperson and administrator. He is responsible for coordinating party activities, communication, and organizational matters across the country.

Within ODM, the SG role is considered critical because it oversees party operations between elections and ensures that party structures are functional at the grassroots.

Sifuna has previously said he intends to serve the party and its leader, Raila Odinga, with loyalty, while also maintaining his independence to speak on issues affecting Kenyans.

Senator Samson Cherargei is a member of UDA and a close ally of President William Ruto’s administration. He and Sifuna often clash in Parliament and in public debates on policy and governance.

Political observers say the Nandi Senator’s statement may be rooted in a broader call for adherence to party rules rather than an endorsement of ODM politics. By insisting that procedures be followed, Cherargei positioned himself as a defender of institutional order within political parties.

It also sends a message that even political rivals expect fairness in how parties treat their officials.

“Whether we agree or disagree politically, we must respect party constitutions,” one analyst noted. “What Cherargei is saying is that you cannot just remove an SG because of politics. There must be a process.”

Cherargei’s central argument was about procedure. He urged all parties, not just ODM, to avoid arbitrary changes to leadership.

In Kenya, political parties are governed by their own constitutions as well as the Political Parties Act. Most require that removal of top officials like a Secretary General be done through the National Executive Council, the National Governing Council, or a delegates’ convention, depending on what the constitution states.

Skipping those steps, experts say, can lead to legal challenges and internal divisions that weaken parties ahead of elections.

“Parties are the vehicles of democracy,” Cherargei implied. “If we start ignoring our own rules, then we cannot expect to run the country according to the law.”

As of the time of Cherargei’s remarks, ODM had not released an official statement on Sifuna’s position. Party leader Raila Odinga and other top officials have also not commented publicly on the reported removal plans.

Inside ODM, the SG’s office has been central to organizing party activities, especially as the party repositions itself ahead of 2027. Sifuna has been leading communication around ODM’s stance on key national issues, including the cost of living, governance, and electoral reforms.

Some within the party believe Sifuna’s bold style is exactly what ODM needs to stay relevant. Others argue that the party needs a more consultative approach in its leadership.

Kenya’s political parties are already laying groundwork for the 2027 General Election. Internal stability will be key for both the ruling coalition and the opposition.

For ODM, which remains the largest opposition party, maintaining unity in its secretariat is important. The SG’s office coordinates campaigns, candidate nominations, and party messaging.

Any leadership wrangles at this stage could distract the party and give opponents an opening.

That is likely why Cherargei’s call for procedure resonated beyond party lines. It is a reminder that how parties handle internal matters now will affect how credible they are to voters later.

For now, Edwin Sifuna continues to serve as ODM Secretary General. Unless he resigns voluntarily, or the party follows its constitutional process to remove him, his position is secure according to Cherargei and according to party law.

The ball is now in ODM’s court. If there are genuine concerns about leadership, the party will have to convene its organs and follow due process. If there are no such plans, then the party will need to clarify publicly to end the speculation.

For Sifuna, the focus will likely remain on his duties as Nairobi Senator and as ODM’s chief administrator. He has not commented on the removal reports.

Senator Samson Cherargei’s defense of Edwin Sifuna may have come from across the political aisle, but it underscores a point both government and opposition agree on: institutions matter.

Political parties cannot claim to champion democracy nationally if they ignore democracy within their own structures.

“Edwin Sifuna is and will remain the Secretary General of the ODM Party unless he resigns,” Cherargei said — a statement that for now settles the debate and puts pressure on ODM to clarify its position.

As Kenya moves closer to 2027, how parties manage leadership, dissent, and procedure will be just as important as the policies they campaign on.