Mbadi recounts how Edwin Sifuna became ODM’s Secretary General
By Nancy Marende, February 12, 2026National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi expressed disappointment with Edwin Sifuna while recounting the circumstances surrounding his appointment as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Mbadi revealed that Sifuna was not initially the preferred candidate for the influential party position.
“I am disappointed in Sifuna. I know how Sifuna got into that position. He was not the favourite,” Mbadi said.
According to Mbadi, discussions were held with the late ODM party leader, Raila Odinga, before Sifuna was eventually appointed.
“We sat with Baba and agreed. The favourite was Wafula Buke. The Western delegates did not want to hear of Sifuna at Orange House. Baba thought through and said we need someone who is very strong,” he explained.
Mbadi noted that Odinga ultimately settled on Sifuna, citing the need for a firm and articulate leader to steer the party’s secretariat.
However, Mbadi emphasised that holding the position of Secretary General or party spokesperson entails the responsibility to communicate the party’s official stance, regardless of personal opinion.
“When you are the spokesperson of the party, you do not speak your mind to the public contrary to what the party has resolved. If you don’t want to communicate the official position of the party, the most honorable thing to do is to quit,” he stated.
This comes shortly after Sifuna was replaced by Catherine Omanyo as Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a statement on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the ODM Party said the decision was reached after a meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Mombasa.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held its meeting in Mombasa on 11th February 2026 to deliberate on critical party matters and the prevailing political environment,” part of the ODM Party statement reads.
According to the statement, the meeting involved extensive consultations and deliberations on internal party affairs, leadership conduct, and the party’s overall direction.
The NEC emphasised that its decisions were anchored on the party constitution and established governance structures.