On Friday, February 12, dailies openly reported the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as ODM secretary general after months of conflict with the party leadership over plans to collaborate with the UDA ahead of the 2027 elections.
Source: UGC
1. Daily Nation
The newspaper reports that the United Opposition is close to abandoning the Declaration as its 2027 election tool, marking a major shift as leaders plan to deny the President William Ruto second term.
Speaking before the big break in Naivasha, union spokesman Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi ignored talks to revive Azimio in its current state.
He said the opposition will instead discuss a new system, structure, leadership system and strategy, while a full statement is expected after the two-day meeting.
His remarks seem to contradict the recent actions of former president Uhuru Kenyatta, who wanted to keep the Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the new leader of Azimio following the death of Raila Odinga.
Even before the official declarations are made public, insiders suggest that Azimio may not continue to be a brand of opposition in the next General Election.
However, the deputy leader of the Democratic People’s Party Cleophas Malala pointed out that Azimio is still a legally recognized union under the Political Parties Act, meaning that any dissolution must follow due process.
He was, however, clear about the coalition’s call to assemble, the “Wantam” push aimed at ensuring Ruto serves only one term.
At the same time, ODM leader Siaya senator Oburu Oginga has taken a strong position, insisting that no decision regarding the Resolution can stand without the support of his party.
2. The Standard
According to the daily, the leadership dispute within the Mombasa-based Luo WhatsApp group has reached the High Court, revealing deep divisions over control, identity and legitimacy.
Nyikwa Ramogi Ajwang’, a group with about 530 members, is seeking court orders to reinstate former Nyali MP Awiti Bolo, John Oucho, Cyrus Nyamita and Mark Otweyo as chief executives.
In the petition filed in Mombasa, Oucho and Nyamita say that they were elected legally but were removed without notice, explanation or due process.
The dispute is centered on allegations that a rival group led by Dennis Ombok, together with Stephen Amayo, Pius Oketch and the county’s Director of Community Development, took control of the administration by force on December 16, 2025.
The group’s name was allegedly changed from Nyikwa Ramogi Ajwang’ Mombasa to Oganda Ramogi Ajwang’ without consulting members, a move that the plaintiffs say signaled an attempt to seize power.
Oucho, who serves as the vice-chairman, claims the actions are deliberate and aimed at destroying the group’s registration under the Community Groups Registration Act, 2022.
He told the court that WhatsApp platforms serve as the main administrative space of the organization, especially its meeting hall, office and decision-making room.
The plaintiffs argue that the continued intervention violates constitutional rights, including freedom of association and administrative due process rights.
3. The Star
According to this newspaper, the removal of the Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna as the secretary general of ODM was sealed in a meeting of the National Central Committee (NEC) which revealed major cracks within the party’s top echelons.
After hours of intense discussion, 25 NEC members voted in favor of sacking Sifuna from the influential post, with only four against the motion.
The decision, announced by Busia Women’s Representative Catherine Omanyo, came into effect immediately.
The important meeting, chaired by party leader Oburu Oginga, also signaled a wider political attack targeting the retired president. Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Local journalists described the situation as stable, with dissenting voices struggling to sway the majority.
ODM vice chairman Otiende Amolo, treasurer Timothy Bosire, Kisumu women’s representative Ruth Odinga and a member identified as Mike were reported to have voted to save Sifuna.
“The four really argued, after a long discussion, we went to vote, where 25 members voted to remove him, only four voted against his removal, but they were outnumbered,” the newspaper reported.
They urged their colleagues to support the party’s slogan of “gathering all, scattering none” and said he deserved the right to reply. However, their prayers were silenced in a chaotic environment.
“They tried to convince the members to give him the right to answer but no one wanted to hear it. Ruth was also shouted down trying to preach ‘gather all, scatter none’,” an insider told the newspaper.
Sources said Sifuna did not attend the private meeting but apologized through executive director Oduor Ongwen.
The NEC further announced that the National Delegates Conference will be held in Nairobi on March 27, 2026, a meeting that is now expected to shape the future direction of ODM.
4. Nation Today
A Kiswahili publication reports that Zimbabwe’s Cabinet approved a controversial Bill that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until at least 2030, setting the stage for a fierce constitutional battle.
The proposed law seeks to modify the current electoral system by having presidents elected by the Parliamentarians and increasing terms from five to seven years, with two terms.
Law Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the public was consulted before the Bill was submitted to Parliament, where the ruling Zanu-PF party has a majority in both chambers.
However, constitutional experts say that any such amendment requires a national referendum and cannot benefit the incumbent president.
Mnangagwa, 83, first took power in 2017 after a military intervention ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe. He won the election in 2018 and again in 2023, although the final result was disputed. His current term is expected to end in 2028.
The push to amend the Constitution comes amid succession tensions within Zanu-PF.
Early signs had pointed to internal opposition, with the late Blessed Geza, a veteran of the liberation war and former member of the central committee, emerging as one of Mnangagwa’s staunchest critics.
Before his recent death in South Africa, Geza had urged Zimbabweans to resist what he called efforts to consolidate power, accusing the president of undermining the spirit of independence.
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