Speaking during an interview on a local television station on February, 2026, Nyutu claimed that Sifuna’s ouster was not a decision driven by ODM’s internal processes, but rather external pressure from the Head of State.
According to the senator, the move was linked to Sifuna’s strong criticism of President Ruto in recent months.
Nyutu referred to an incident during the burial of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard where President Ruto reportedly warned Sifuna against attacking him publicly.
The President is said to have reminded Sifuna that he was among ODM’s founding members and threatened to convene a meeting to discipline him.
Nyutu noted that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that removed Sifuna was held shortly after those remarks.
“The removal of Sifuna has nothing to do with ODM but with President Ruto,” Nyutu stated, adding that Sifuna was being punished for expressing independent views.
The ODM NEC meeting held in Mombasa resolved to relieve Sifuna of his duties with immediate effect, citing indiscipline within senior party ranks and adherence to the party constitution.
Nyutu’s remarks come amid widening cracks within ODM and renewed political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hinted at a possible alliance between the United Opposition and a faction within ODM associated with Sifuna.
Gachagua referred to the group as “ODM B” and suggested that opposition leaders could unite behind a single presidential candidate to challenge Ruto.
Sifuna has since maintained that he remains a loyal and duly elected member of ODM, even as the political storm continues to unfold.