ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga has dismissed claims that the party intends to expel Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for missing a recent Central Committee meeting. She emphasized that ODM is a democratic party where divergent opinions are allowed and do not warrant dismissal. Wanga added that discipline applies only after a binding collective decision.
The ODM Central Committee meeting took place on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Vipingo, Kilifi County, where Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi were absent. In an interview on Ramogi TV on Tuesday, January 13, Wanga dismissed rumours of Sifuna's expulsion.
"ODM is a democratic party. Anyone at the party is allowed to have their own opinion," Wanga said, adding that Sifuna's views on the broad-based arrangement do not constitute misconduct. She stressed that discipline comes into play only after a binding collective decision.
"Anyone in the party is allowed to have their opinion, but once the party makes a binding decision, then it should be followed. We are not chasing anyone away from the party. What has Sifuna done wrong to be sent away?" Wanga questioned.
On the absences, Wanga said it is unfair to accuse without understanding the circumstances. Osotsi had requested permission as he was in South Africa on official duty with the Senate Liaison Committee. "I have spoken to him several times while he has been in South Africa. He told me he would be coming back this week. He is on official duty and cannot suspend his journey to attend the meeting," Wanga said.
For Sifuna, he sent an apology for missing his flight. "Sifuna also sent an apology saying he missed his flight, so we cannot do a follow-up on that because it is something that happens to anyone. As long as the meeting has a quorum," she added.
The meeting proceeded unaffected as the quorum was met.
