Gladys Wanga has refuted claims that the Orange Democratic Movement plans to expel Edwin Sifuna from the party. The ODM chairperson spoke out after talk spread about the Nairobi senator facing removal for missing a key meeting. She said Sifuna just missed his flight and did nothing wrong. This comes amid tension in the party after Raila Odinga’s death last year.
Wanga made her comments in a statement yesterday. She explained Sifuna’s absence from the Central Management Committee meeting in Kilifi. The gathering happened on Monday.
Party leaders like Oburu Oginga chaired it. They talked about national issues and the 2027 elections. Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi did not show up. That sparked rumours of a split.
Some members called for action against Sifuna. Migori Senator Eddy Oketch even filed a motion to suspend him. Oketch said Sifuna broke party rules. He pointed to gross misconduct.
But Oketch later pulled back the motion. He chose talks instead after meeting Oburu. Wanga backed this. She said ODM allows different views. No one gets kicked out for opinions.
The party faces tough times without Raila. He passed away in October 2025. ODM now deals with who leads next. Sifuna serves as secretary general. He has clashed with others like Junet Mohamed.
They argued over money for agents in past elections. Sifuna also speaks against the broad-based government deal with President Ruto. Wanga supports staying in it until 2027. She says it helps their areas.
Wanga stressed discipline comes after group decisions. For now, personal takes are fine. She called ODM democratic. Everyone gets a say. Ida Odinga also defended Sifuna last month. She said no one chases him out. Raila’s son got mentioned in talks too. But Wanga shut down expulsion ideas.
Photos from the Kilifi meeting show leaders like Wanga and Junet there. Sifuna’s empty spot stood out. Homa Bay Governor Wanga posted about it on Facebook. She shared snaps of the group working. The party plans a big rally in Kibera soon. That could ease strains.
Sifuna has not said much yet. He posted on X about party unity last week. Fans back him online. Many see him as a strong voice for youth. Others think he stirs too much. Nairobi MPs met to call for calm. They warned fights hurt ahead of 2027. ODM wants to hold strong in Nyanza and Nairobi.
This row ties to bigger shifts. ODM joined Ruto’s government last year. Some like it for jobs. Others say it sells out. Sifuna sits in the second group. Wanga pushes the deal as good for all. She accused rivals like Rigathi Gachagua of stirring trouble.
Leaders like Otiende Amollo backed Wanga. He denied any plot to remove Sifuna. Amollo said no such meeting happened. The party focuses on strategy now. They eye zone to protect their zones.
It holds sway in western Kenya. With him gone, figures like Wanga and Oburu guide it. Sifuna rose quickly as a sharp debater. He won Nairobi Senate in 2022. His fate matters for the party youth wing.
No formal probe started on Sifuna. Wanga said that ends it. But whispers keep going. Some say Oketch’s move showed deeper rifts. ODM plans more talks to sort views.
Kenyan politics heats up early for 2027. ODM wants no cracks. Wanga called for focus on people’s needs. She plans county visits soon. Sifuna might speak at the Kibera rally. That could clear the air. For now, the party stands by him. No expulsion on the table.
