ODM Senate Leadership Change
Senator Edwin Sifuna Removed as Deputy Minority Whip; Eddy Oketch Takes Over Amid ODM Reshuffle
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Key Points
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The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties updated ODM's records on July 9, 2026, confirming Edwin Sifuna's removal as ODM Secretary-General and stating the move was in line with the Political Parties Act Cap. 7D and the ODM constitution, after finding the party had complied and noting Sifuna did not respond to the Registrar's inquiries.
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Standing Orders governing party leadership changes were invoked: Standing Order 23(4) allows removal by majority vote, Standing Order 23(5) covers election to fill the vacancy, and Standing Order 23(6) requires written communication to the Speaker with minutes and supporting documents.
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The process included minutes from the Minority Party meeting on July 15 and a signed list of senators backing the resolution, which were presented to Speaker Kingi as part of the formal documentation.
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Sifuna publicly thanked both the Minority and Majority sides for their support and congratulated his successor, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, adding a humorous remark about quorum: 'I congratulate my young brother... how many times I have called you as your Whip so that you give us quorum. I am happy that that is now going to be your job.'
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The leadership reshuffle is framed within broader ODM realignments, with Sifuna long viewed as a vocal governance and accountability advocate; observers expect the move to intensify internal debate over ODM's stance, including its rapprochement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been removed as the Senate Deputy Minority Whip, with Migori Senator Eddy Oketch named as his replacement effective immediately, Citizen Digital reported. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed the change on July 16, 2026, after receiving a formal letter from Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo.
The ouster follows a broader shakeup inside the Orange Democratic Movement. Sifuna had already lost his role as ODM Secretary-General before being stripped of his Senate position, making the July 16 announcement the second major demotion in quick succession, according to People Daily.
Registrar Cleared the Way for Sifuna's Removal
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties updated ODM's records on July 9, 2026. The Registrar confirmed that Sifuna's removal as ODM Secretary-General was in line with the Political Parties Act Cap. 7D and the ODM constitution, according to People Daily. The Registrar noted that the party had complied with the law and that Sifuna had not responded to earlier inquiries.
That update cleared the legal path for changes at the Senate level. Once the party's internal records were settled, the Minority coalition moved quickly to act on the Senate position as well, Eagle News Feed reported.
Standing Orders Gave the Move Its Legal Footing
Speaker Kingi cited three specific Standing Orders when confirming the change. Standing Order 23(4) allows removal by majority vote. Standing Order 23(5) covers the election to fill the vacancy. Standing Order 23(6) requires written communication to the Speaker, along with minutes and a signed list of supporting senators, according to Nairobi Leo.
The Minority Party held a formal meeting on July 15. Minutes from that session, plus a signed list of senators backing the resolution, were handed to Speaker Kingi as required documentation. The Speaker then validated the removal and named Oketch as the new Deputy Minority Whip, Citizen Digital reported.
Sifuna Bows Out With Humor and a Quorum Joke
Sifuna broke his silence shortly after the announcement and kept his tone light. He publicly thanked colleagues on both the Minority and Majority sides for their support during his time as Whip. He then turned to congratulate Oketch directly, according to People Daily.
Sifuna told his successor: "I congratulate my young brother... how many times I have called you as your Whip so that you give us quorum. I am happy that that is now going to be your job." The remark drew attention for its good humor, with Sifuna signaling no bitterness over the change.
ODM Reshuffle Sparks Debate Over Party Direction
The back-to-back demotions are part of wider realignments inside ODM. Sifuna has long been one of the party's loudest voices on governance and accountability. Observers say his removal from two key roles in quick succession reflects deep tensions inside the party, Eagle News Feed reported.
A key fault line is ODM's growing closeness with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration. Critics within the party have pushed back against that rapprochement. The leadership reshuffle is expected to intensify that internal debate, with Sifuna still seen as a prominent opposition voice despite losing his formal party posts.
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