The silence is broken, and the political storm is just beginning. In his first public communication since being unceremoniously removed as the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has expressed deep emotion over the outpouring of support from his base.

Sifuna’s removal, orchestrated during a high-stakes National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa, has fractured the party’s internal cohesion. While the party hierarchy, led by Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, moves to consolidate control, Sifuna’s response indicates that he is far from finished. His statement was not a concession; it was a rallying cry.

A Party Divided

The decision to oust the outspoken Senator was reportedly fueled by his refusal to toe the line regarding the party's "broad-based" cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government. Sifuna has been a vocal critic of the administration, a stance that put him at odds with party hardliners pushing for a softer approach.

• The NEC Verdict: The meeting in Mombasa cited "indiscipline" and lack of alignment with collective decisions as grounds for his removal.
• The Pushback: Reports indicate the vote was not unanimous, with four NEC members dissenting—a sign of deep-seated rifts within the Orange party.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sifuna wrote: “Following yesterday’s events, I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and encouragement. I will speak to the press this morning to address some of your concerns.” The brevity of the message belies the weight of the moment. Supporters have flooded his timeline, urging him to stand firm, with many viewing his ouster as a betrayal of the party's opposition soul.

The Road Ahead

Sifuna is expected to address the media later today, a press conference that could define the next phase of opposition politics in Kenya. Will he form a splinter group? Will he challenge the decision in court? Or will he take his brand of politics directly to the people?

“They may have taken the title, but they haven't taken the influence,” a close ally of the Senator remarked. As Sifuna prepares to speak, the ODM leadership in Nairobi must be looking over their shoulders. The battle for the heart of the party has only just begun.