Edwin Sifuna Breaks Silence After ODM Ouster

Edwin Sifuna speaks out after ODM ouster, announces Kitengela rally

The corridors of Kenyan politics were shaken once again on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emerged from behind the headlines of the past two days to address the nation in a press briefing that was both defiant in tone and expansive in content. This address came hours after his dramatic and somewhat unexpected removal from the position of Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) — a position he had held with vigor and public prominence — by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at a meeting in Mombasa on Wednesday, February 11.

The NEC cited concerns over indiscipline and breaches of party protocol when it resolved to relieve Sifuna of his duties. Party leaders, in announcing his dismissal, cited what they described as escalating friction within ODM’s senior ranks and a need to realign the party’s internal governance as the nation draws closer to the 2027 General Election. The ODM National Executive Committee appointed Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo — formerly the Deputy Secretary General — as acting Secretary General until they elect a substantive replacement.

The news of Sifuna’s ouster sparked shockwaves across Kenya’s political terrain. Some supporters saw it as an overdue attempt to restore internal discipline, while others interpreted it as a politically charged move targeting one of the most high‑profile and outspoken figures in opposition politics. Yet few could predict just how swiftly Sifuna would respond and how sharply he would use his first major public platform since the NEC decision to address not just the media, but the Kenyan people at large.

Stepping before the press with confidence, Sifuna opened his remarks by thanking the countless Kenyans who had reached out to him with messages of support following the news of his removal. “Following yesterday’s events, I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and encouragement,” he said. “I will speak to the press this morning to address some of your concerns. Ahsanteni sana. God bless.” His tone blended both gratitude and resolve — setting the stage for a long, substantive address that would go far beyond mere reaction.

At the very heart of Sifuna’s message was a challenge to the legitimacy and process of the NEC’s decision. He did not meekly accept the party’s actions; instead, he framed his removal as a symptom of broader fractures within ODM — and within Kenyan politics more generally. Sifuna reiterated that he remains committed to defending democratic norms, constitutional processes, and what he repeatedly described as the principles of accountability, transparency, and integrity in party politics. While he acknowledged that internal party mechanisms sometimes require discipline, he underscored that such actions must respect established procedures and the voice of the people.

Perhaps the most striking and newsworthy part of his briefing came when Sifuna pivoted from reflection to direct political action. Drawing on the energy of his supporters and allies, he announced that he would not retreat into silence or obscurity. Instead, he revealed plans for a political rally this coming Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Kitengela Town, Kajiado County — a gathering he expects to draw significant figures from the opposition and from his own network of supporters. This event, branded as part of his ongoing “Linda Mwananchi Tour”, signals what many observers are already referring to as a counteroffensive — not just to contest his ouster, but to connect with ordinary Kenyans and mobilise grassroots support around his vision for the future.

According to the promotional material circulating on social media platforms, the Kitengela rally is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday and is expected to feature several prominent opposition leaders and figures allied with him. The choice of Kitengela — a cosmopolitan hub near Nairobi — underscores Sifuna’s intent to reach a broad cross‑section of Kenyans and to convey a message that transcends narrow party politics.

This announcement marks a meaningful shift in the narrative. What could have been seen as a moment of political setback has instead been transformed, in real time, into an assertion of agency, momentum, and public engagement. By rolling out plans for a major rally so soon after his removal, Sifuna appears to be laying the groundwork for a new phase of political momentum. Whether this mobilising effort will mature into a sustained movement or a recalibrated alignment within, around, or beyond ODM remains an open question — but it is already clear that Sifuna intends to remain a central, highly visible figure in Kenyan politics.

Across the political landscape, reactions to his press briefing have been immediate. Supporters laud Sifuna’s defiance and readiness to go directly to the people, describing him as a leader unafraid to stand by his convictions. Critics argue that he risks deepening internal divisions or undermining party unity at a time when cohesion is crucial. Yet even detractors acknowledge that his ability to command media attention and mobilise large gatherings speaks to a level of influence that transcends the formal title he has recently lost.

Importantly, Sifuna’s speech did not signal retreat or resignation. Instead, it portrayed his removal as a moment of transition — not the end of his political impact, but the beginning of a more visible, people‑oriented chapter. His rally in Kitengela this Sunday stands as a tangible symbol of that energy — a space where his supporters can come together, where his message can resonate beyond institutional confines, and where his vision for Kenya’s future can be articulated on his own terms.

As the country watches how events unfold over the coming days, one thing is certain: Edwin Sifuna’s press briefing today was not merely a response to a political challenge — it was a declaration of continued relevance and purpose in Kenya’s dynamic and often unpredictable political journey. Whether he ultimately reconciles with ODM, charts a new independent path, or reshapes opposition politics in unforeseen ways, his words today — and the rally he has called for Sunday — will be remembered as a defining moment in his political story and in the broader narrative of Kenyan democracy.