ODM Strips off Edwin Sifuna’s Senate Deputy Minority Leadership

ODM Strips off Edwin Sifuna’s Senate Deputy Minority Leadership

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced changes to its Senate leadership, including the dismissal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Senate Deputy Minority Whip.

While presiding over the Senate on Thursday, July 16, Speaker Amason Kingi reminded lawmakers that he had received a written communication from Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo relaying the party’s decision.

Kingi then stated that Migori Senator Eddy Oketch had been selected as the new Deputy Senate Minority Whip, succeeding Sifuna with immediate effect.

“By a letter dated July 16, 2026, I received correspondence from the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Stewart Madzayo, regarding the removal of Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip and the election of Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch to replace him,” Kingi told the House.

Speaker Kingi stated that the removal of Sifuna from the office followed Senate Standing Orders guiding the removal of minority leadership.

Speaker @HonAmasonKingi: By a letter dated the 16th of July 2026, I received correspondence from the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Stewart Madzayo, regarding the removal of Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip and the election of Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch… pic.twitter.com/8JMjJQHtCV— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) July 16, 2026

He explained that Standing Order 234 allows a senator holding the position to be removed through a majority vote of senators belonging to the minority party.

Meanwhile, Standing Order 236 requires the decision to be communicated to the Speaker in writing.

Kingi told the House that Madzayo’s letter was accompanied by the minutes of the minority party meeting held on July 15, 2026.

It documented the proceedings and the resolution, as well as a duly signed list of senators supporting the decision.

“The minutes indicate that a resolution was passed to remove the Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Senator Edwin Sifuna,” Kingi said.

Moments after the Speaker’s communication, Sifuna was seen warmly shaking hands with Oketch.

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The Migori Senator was seated beside him in the Senate chamber, in a gesture that appeared to signal a smooth transition.

As Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Oketch is required to assist in coordinating minority party business in the Senate.

He will also mobilise members for House sittings and votes, and support the Minority leadership in managing parliamentary affairs.

“I don’t know what else these people can take. There’s a Bible verse that says when someone takes your coat, give them even your shirt. I want them to come for my shirt—I am prepared,” Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna speaks after being removed as the Senate Deputy Minority Whip. pic.twitter.com/4DffzhiiT0— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) July 16, 2026

Meanwhile, Sifuna’s removal as the Deputy Minority Whip comes just a week after he was officially removed as the ODM Secretary General.

On July 9, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) formally approved the party’s request, removed Sifuna’s name from its leadership register and updated the official records accordingly.

His removal as ODM Secretary General followed a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which cited gross misconduct and opposing the party’s cooperation agreement with President William Ruto’s administration.

ODM Strips Edwin Sifuna of Senate Deputy Minority Leadership