Kivutha Kibwana, former Makueni Governor and a prominent legal scholar, has issued a sharp critique of the Orange Democratic Movement's decision to remove Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General, warning of potential deeper fractures within the party.
In a post on his X account, Kibwana referenced watching breaking news coverage of the development. He highlighted the appointment of Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo as Acting Secretary General, mocking her apparent difficulty in pronouncing "constitutionalism" during the broadcast.
He described the word as a complex one that Raila Odinga, fondly called Baba, championed throughout his political career in the fight for democratic reforms and the rule of law.
Kibwana suggested that this moment signals a handover of the real ODM to Sifuna and his allies. He quoted his earlier January 25 statement dividing the party into two factions: one group led by figures like Sifuna, Winnie Odinga, James Orengo, and others seen as pro-people reformers, and another associated with more establishment-oriented leaders.
The NEC's move in Mombasa relieved Sifuna of his duties immediately over conduct-related issues, with Omanyo stepping in temporarily until a permanent replacement is elected.
Kibwana's sarcasm implies the new leadership may lack the ideological depth tied to ODM's historical struggles for constitutionalism, social justice, and opposition principles.
This intervention adds to growing concerns about internal divisions in ODM following Sifuna's ouster. Kibwana's comments portray the change as a setback for the party's reformist wing, potentially leading to a splinter or realignment where Sifuna's camp preserves the authentic legacy of the movement.