"Let him go" Mbadi Calls for Sifuna’s Ouster as ODM Rift Explodes

A side by side Image of Senator Sifuna and CS John Mbadi

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has openly called for the removal of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna from the Orange Democratic Movement, accusing him of working against the party’s interests.

Mbadi made the remarks on Sunday, February 8, while speaking during a church service at Riat Ebenezer PEFA Church in Migori County, amid deepening divisions within ODM.

The CS was responding to the growing rift triggered by rival political activities within the party, after Sifuna and a group of leaders launched the Linda Mwananchi Tour, running parallel to the Linda Ground rallies championed by party leader Oburu Odinga.

The internal wrangles emerged following the formation of the broad-based government, which saw four ODM-affiliated technocrats appointed to the Cabinet. While some party leaders backed President William Ruto’s re-election bid, others opposed the move and pushed for ODM to field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 polls.

Mbadi, angered by Sifuna’s rally in Busia, claimed the ODM Secretary General was conflicted and advancing the agenda of the opposition.

“Sifuna will not remain in ODM because he is conflicted. He is selling someone else’s agenda. Why pretend? You cannot keep him in the party. He is gone,” Mbadi said.

He insisted that ODM must remain cohesive and urged Sifuna to leave the party alongside leaders who share his views.

Mbadi further claimed that he played a key role in Sifuna’s election as Secretary General despite opposition from leaders in Western Kenya.

“No one will break ODM. The mistake people are making is thinking the party will remain intact after Raila Odinga. Some people must leave. If we want ODM intact, we must remove the rogue SG,” he said.

The CS warned that without discipline, ODM risked splitting into multiple factions ahead of elections, adding that party trustees had been appointed to safeguard key documents.

Mbadi also reiterated that ODM would support President Ruto in the 2027 General Election, while revealing his own presidential ambitions beyond the current political cycle.

“I am not interested in 2027, but in 2032, I am ready,” he said.

In response, Sifuna maintained that he has no intention of leaving ODM despite the fallout. He said he would accept removal from the Secretary General position if it came to that, noting that leadership roles are not a birthright and that many young leaders could serve the party better.