The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) disciplinary process targeting Nairobi Senator and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has been deferred after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC)-appointed panel granted him additional time to respond to allegations levelled against him.
In a statement issued following its sitting on Friday, April 10, 2026, the panel confirmed that it had considered a two-fold request by Sifuna’s legal counsel seeking better particulars of the allegations contained in the Notice to Show Cause, as well as an extension of time to file a formal response before appearing before the disciplinary body.
“The Panel allowed the request, and fresh directions, including timelines, shall be communicated in due course,” ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen said.
The party, through a show-cause letter signed by ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, accused Sifuna of repeatedly contradicting official party positions and resolutions, actions it says have caused confusion and undermined internal cohesion.
ODM further claims that Sifuna has consistently issued contradictory remarks despite participating in internal meetings where party positions were agreed upon. The party also accuses him of engaging in unsanctioned political activities under the “Linda Mwananchi Initiative,” which ODM says fall outside approved party programmes.
Additionally, the letter cites his alleged failure to attend key party meetings, including a Central Committee meeting on January 12, 2026, and NEC meetings held on February 11 and March 4, 2026.
According to ODM, the cumulative conduct amounts to behaviour prejudicial to the party’s interests, discipline, cohesion, and public standing, in contravention of Article 11(2) of the ODM constitution.
Sifuna had been directed to respond to the show-cause letter by April 8, 2026, and appear before the disciplinary panel on April 10 at 10:00 a.m. However, the proceedings have now been pushed back following the panel’s decision to grant his request.
The internal dispute comes amid growing political tension within ODM, with factional alignments emerging around competing initiatives, including the Sifuna-linked “Linda Mwananchi” faction and rival internal power blocs.
New timelines for Sifuna’s response and appearance before the disciplinary panel are expected to be communicated in due course.
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