Embattled ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has been removed from the influential Senate Energy Committee in a move that is likely to fuel speculation about deepening divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The Nairobi Senator was replaced by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ in a committee reshuffle announced on Wednesday, effectively ending Sifuna’s membership in the powerful oversight team chaired by ODM leader Oburu Oginga.
The development comes amid an increasingly public fallout between Sifuna and Oburu over the direction of ODM and the party’s working relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.
Sifuna’s removal is particularly significant because he has been one of the most outspoken members of the Senate Energy Committee, often taking tough positions on controversial national issues. He was among lawmakers who aggressively scrutinized the proposed Adani Group deal involving the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before the government eventually terminated the project.
In the latest committee changes, Garissa Senator Abdul Haji was nominated to the Energy Committee, replacing nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla. Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu was also moved to the Senate Information, Communication and Technology Committee, replacing Ogolla.
Ogolla, in turn, was appointed to the Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee, taking over from Kajwang’.
Unlike the other senators affected by the reshuffle, Sifuna was not reassigned to a new committee. The decision leaves him serving in only two Senate committees: the County Public Accounts Committee chaired by Moses Kajwang’ and the National Security, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee chaired by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
Announcing the changes in the Senate, Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said the reshuffle was approved following recommendations by the Senate Business Committee and in accordance with Senate Standing Orders.
The committee changes are expected to intensify debate within ODM, where ideological and political differences have become increasingly visible.
Sifuna is widely associated with the party’s Linda Mwananchi faction, which has maintained a critical stance toward the broad-based arrangement between ODM and Kenya Kwanza. On the other hand, Oburu is viewed as a leading figure in the Linda Ground camp, which supports continued engagement with President Ruto’s government.
The tensions between the two leaders have played out publicly in recent months. Earlier this year, Sifuna openly opposed serving under Oburu’s leadership after the veteran politician assumed a more prominent role within ODM following Raila Odinga’s departure from the party leadership position.
In one of his sharpest attacks, Sifuna accused sections of the ODM leadership of mediocrity and demanded internal party elections.
“I refuse to be the SG of mediocrity. I refuse to be the SG of Oburu Oginga. These characters do not deserve me. Let them ask for a proper NDC where we shall present candidates for all the party positions,” Sifuna declared.
With ODM increasingly divided over its relationship with President Ruto and the future direction of the party, Sifuna’s removal from the Energy Committee is likely to be viewed by many observers as more than a routine Senate reshuffle.
The move now raises fresh questions about Sifuna’s standing within ODM and whether the battle for control of the party is entering a new and more confrontational phase.
