Mbadi wants Sifuna expelled from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing the party’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of undermining party unity by allegedly advancing the political agenda of rival forces. The call by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has intensified internal tensions within ODM and sparked fresh debate over loyalty, discipline, and leadership within the party.
Speaking on Sunday in Suba South Constituency, Mbadi urged the ODM Central Management Committee (CMC) to move with speed and decisiveness, warning that failure to act could lead to deeper cracks within the party. According to Mbadi, continued tolerance of what he described as indiscipline at the top of the party risks weakening ODM’s cohesion ahead of critical political realignments.
“Mbadi Wants Sifuna Expelled to Protect Party Unity”
Mbadi, who previously served as ODM chairman, claimed that Sifuna and some of his close allies have shifted their allegiance to the United Opposition, a move he said is incompatible with holding a senior leadership position within ODM.
“If someone does not want to agree with ODM policies, that person should be left to go so that we know how many people he is leaving with,” Mbadi said.
He argued that ODM should not be held hostage by individuals whose personal political ambitions conflict with the party’s collective agenda. According to Mbadi, party loyalty must be clear and unquestionable, especially for officials occupying influential positions such as Secretary General.
“Someone like Sifuna will not remain in ODM because already he is conflicted. He is now selling the agenda of someone else. Why are you pretending? You cannot keep him at the party,” he added.
Pressure Mounts on ODM Leadership
As Mbadi wants Sifuna expelled, attention has now shifted to the ODM Central Management Committee, which holds the authority to discipline or remove senior party officials. Mbadi insisted that the committee should not delay action, warning that prolonged indecision could embolden further dissent within the party.
He accused Sifuna of showing indiscipline toward ODM’s top leadership, including figures closely aligned with the party’s founding structures. Mbadi said enforcing discipline was essential to maintaining order and respect within the party hierarchy.
Background to the Growing Rift
The renewed calls for Sifuna’s removal come amid growing ideological and strategic differences within ODM. Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi Senator, has in recent months taken public positions that some party insiders view as critical of ODM’s political direction and alliances.
While Sifuna has not directly addressed Mbadi’s remarks, his outspoken stance on national governance, opposition unity, and political accountability has previously placed him at odds with sections of the ODM leadership. These differences have fueled speculation about internal divisions and possible power struggles within the party.
Political analysts note that the demand that Mbadi wants Sifuna expelled reflects a broader struggle within ODM over who controls party messaging and future strategy, particularly as opposition politics continue to evolve.
Implications for ODM and Opposition Politics
If the call that Mbadi wants Sifuna expelled gains traction, it could mark a significant turning point for ODM. Expelling a sitting Secretary General would be an unprecedented move that could reshape internal power dynamics and potentially trigger defections or realignments.
Some observers warn that such action could either restore discipline or deepen divisions, depending on how the process is handled. Others argue that the controversy exposes unresolved tensions within ODM regarding loyalty, ideology, and cooperation with other political groupings.
For now, ODM supporters and political observers are watching closely to see whether the Central Management Committee will act on Mbadi’s demand or seek internal reconciliation.
What Happens Next
As the debate continues, the question remains whether the party will prioritize unity through dialogue or enforce discipline through decisive action. Either path carries political risks and consequences.
What is clear, however, is that the declaration that Mbadi wants Sifuna expelled has pushed ODM’s internal struggles into the public spotlight, setting the stage for a potentially defining moment in the party’s future.
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