The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has delivered a firm message to the rebels within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in light of the recommendation to remove Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
During an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Mbadi underscored the importance of party unity, stating that senior officials must adhere to party resolutions and face repercussions for dissent. He asserted that Sifuna’s removal should act as a cautionary tale for other ODM members, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, whose recent behaviors have been deemed disruptive by party leaders.
“There are individuals who do not hold significant positions within the party. However, if they do occupy such roles and their comments create discord, they must be prepared to accept the same consequences,” Mbadi remarked.
He emphasized the unique role Sifuna played, noting, “Sifuna was not merely a member; he was the secretary general of the party. Any senior official in this country who has taken a similar stance has never remained in their political party. It was unrealistic to expect a favorable outcome from a situation that was untenable; Sifuna could not continue in ODM.”
Regarding Orengo’s situation, Mbadi dismissed worries about the governor’s ongoing influence, acknowledging familiarity with Orengo’s “disruptive politics” but expressing openness to the possibility of his return to the party’s core.
“Orengo’s disruptive politics are something I have grown accustomed to; however, I would not be surprised if he eventually reintegrated into mainstream ODM,” Mbadi stated.
The ODM party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has recommended Sifuna’s removal as Secretary General and appointed Catherine Omanyo to serve in an acting capacity, pending ratification by the National Governing Council and the National Delegates Conference (NDC).
This decision emerged from an NEC meeting held in Mombasa on February 11, 2026. The ODM released a statement confirming, “The National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG @edwinsifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect.” They added, “Consequently, Hon. Catherine Omanyo, one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, will act in this role until a permanent officeholder is elected.”
