Edwin Sifuna's Political Future: What#WHAT IS THE FATE OF EDWIN SIFUNA
Happens If ODM Finally Expels Him?The political battle between Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has entered a new and critical phase. Although the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) ruled that his removal as ODM Secretary-General was procedurally unfair, it also allowed the party to restart disciplinary proceedings in accordance with its constitution. As a result, ODM has already initiated a fresh process that could ultimately lead to Sifuna's removal from both the position of Secretary-General and even from party membership altogether.
Can Sifuna Lose His Position as ODM Secretary-General?
Yes.
The Secretary-General position is an internal party office. If ODM follows the law and its own constitution, it can legally replace Sifuna after giving him a fair hearing. The PPDT did not say ODM could never remove him; rather, it found that the earlier process violated the rules of natural justice.
Can He Also Lose ODM Membership?
Yes.
Being removed as Secretary-General does not automatically mean losing party membership. However, the ongoing disciplinary proceedings could recommend his expulsion from ODM if the party concludes that he has breached its constitution or code of conduct.
Such a decision would almost certainly be challenged in court, meaning the legal battle could continue for months.
Will Sifuna Lose His Senate Seat?
This is the biggest question.
If Sifuna voluntarily resigns from ODM or is lawfully expelled after all legal processes are exhausted, his Senate seat could be at risk because he was elected on an ODM party ticket.
Under Kenya's Constitution and the Political Parties Act, a Member of Parliament or Senator may lose the seat if they cease to belong to the political party that sponsored their election, unless one of the constitutional exceptions applies.
However, removal from office as Secretary-General alone does not remove him as Senator. The Senate seat would only become an issue if his party membership legally ends and the relevant constitutional and statutory procedures are completed.
Could Sifuna Form His Own Political Party?
It is certainly possible.
Sifuna has built a strong national profile through his outspoken criticism of both government policies and sections of the ODM leadership. If expelled, he would have several options:
Form a completely new political party.
Join another opposition party.
- Build a broader political movement with leaders who share his reform agenda.
- Negotiate a return to ODM if political circumstances change.
Starting a new party would be challenging because it requires significant financial resources, nationwide structures and grassroots support. Nevertheless, Sifuna is regarded as one of Kenya's more articulate opposition politicians and could attract supporters dissatisfied with the current direction of ODM.
What Does This Mean for ODM?
The dispute is exposing deep divisions within the party.
Supporters of Sifuna argue that he has remained faithful to ODM's opposition ideals by criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration, while others in the party leadership believe he has undermined party unity.
His possible exit could reshape opposition politics ahead of the next General Election.
What Is Sifuna's Political Fate?
At the moment, Sifuna remains Nairobi Senator, but his future inside ODM is increasingly uncertain.
If the renewed disciplinary process is conducted fairly and results in his expulsion, he could eventually lose not only the Secretary-General position but also his ODM membership. That would open the door to further legal and constitutional processes affecting his Senate seat.
Even if he parts ways with ODM, however, it would not necessarily mark the end of his political career. Many Kenyan politicians have survived expulsion from major parties and gone on to form new parties or join different political formations.
The coming months will therefore determine whether Edwin Sifuna remains one of ODM's most influential voices, becomes the leader of a new political movement, or emerges as one of Kenya's most prominent independent opposition figures.
Only time and the courts, if necessary will determine which path his political journey ultimately takes.