By Doris Moraa | July 18, 2026
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has publicly accepted his removal from the positions of Senate Deputy Minority Whip and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, saying he is at peace with the developments and ready to embrace what he described as a bigger political assignment.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate after Speaker Amason Kingi formally communicated the changes to the House, Sifuna adopted a conciliatory tone, telling fellow legislators that leadership positions are temporary and that he was prepared to move on.
Quoting a well-known saying, the Nairobi senator remarked that when someone takes your coat, you should willingly give them your shirt as well, signaling that he harboured no bitterness over the decision and was looking ahead to the next phase of his political journey.
His remarks came moments after the Senate officially ratified his removal as Deputy Minority Whip following a contentious meeting of minority coalition senators.
According to the resolution presented to the House, 12 senators voted in favour of his removal while five opposed the motion, paving the way for a change in the minority leadership.
Migori Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch was subsequently elected and approved as the new Senate Deputy Minority Whip.
Sifuna congratulated Oketch on his appointment, expressing confidence that he would discharge his new responsibilities diligently while serving the interests of the Minority side in the Senate.
“I congratulate Senator Eddy Oketch and wish him all the best as he takes up the responsibility. Leadership is about service, and I hope he succeeds in his new role,” Sifuna said.
The latest parliamentary changes come barely a week after Sifuna lost another influential position within the Orange Democratic Movement.
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) officially updated ODM’s leadership records following a National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution that removed Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General.
The Registrar subsequently recognized Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo as the Acting Secretary General, effectively ending Sifuna’s tenure in one of the party’s most powerful administrative offices.
The twin removals mark one of the most significant political setbacks for Sifuna since he rose to national prominence as ODM’s spokesperson before later becoming Secretary General and Nairobi Senator.
Political observers have linked the leadership changes to growing divisions within ODM over the party’s cooperation agreement with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Sifuna has consistently criticized the broad-based government arrangement, maintaining that ODM should remain a strong opposition party rather than working closely with the ruling administration.
His outspoken position is understood to have placed him at odds with sections of the party leadership that support closer cooperation with the government.
The internal disagreements eventually culminated in disciplinary action, with party officials accusing Sifuna of gross misconduct and insubordination over his public criticism of decisions made by the party leadership.
Despite the setbacks, Sifuna struck an optimistic tone during his Senate address, indicating that he viewed the changes as an opportunity rather than a political defeat.
He suggested that the developments could pave the way for greater responsibilities in the future, although he did not disclose what role he was referring to.
Political analysts say Sifuna remains one of ODM’s most recognizable national figures and could continue playing a significant role in Kenya’s opposition politics despite losing the two leadership positions.
The leadership changes also signal an ongoing realignment within ODM as the party continues to redefine its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration and position itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
With Eddy Oketch now assuming the role of Deputy Minority Whip and Catherine Omanyo taking over as Acting ODM Secretary General, attention is expected to shift to how the party manages its internal differences while maintaining unity in the run-up to the next election cycle.
Although removed from two key leadership positions, Sifuna’s remarks in the Senate suggested he intends to remain active in national politics, insisting that public service is not defined by titles but by the ability to represent and defend the interests of the people.
