Senator Eddy Oketch withdraws motion to expel ODM SG Edwin Sifuna

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has stepped back from a controversial motion seeking to de-whip and expel Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna from the party, opting instead for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

In a letter dated January 6, 2026, Aguko, Osman & Company Advocates, acting on behalf of Senator Oketch, announced the withdrawal of a motion that had been filed just a day earlier on January 5. 

The lawmaker said the decision followed consultations with party leader and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga.

The advocates cited the legacy of the party's founding leader, the late Raila Odinga, as instrumental in the change of approach.

"Following wide consultations with the Party Leader, Senator Dr Oburu Oginga and with utmost respect to the spirit of the founding Party Leader the late Raila Amollo Odinga, who embraced dialogue even with his fiercest enemies as the most preferred method of dispute resolution, we have received further instructions from our client," the letter stated.

Despite withdrawing the motion, the letter maintained that there were legitimate concerns about Nairobi Senator Sifuna's conduct.

"Being cognizant of the breaches as outlined in our aforementioned letter and the offensive remarks made by Hon. Senator Edwin W. Sifuna both against the Party and its members," the advocates wrote, Senator Oketch had been "persuaded to withdraw the Motion Letter dated January 5, 2026."

Instead of pursuing expulsion, the party will now invoke Article 16(1)(g) of the ODM Constitution, which empowers the party leader to facilitate amicable dispute resolution through Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.

"The Party Leader is therefore implored upon to exercise the said powers in order to protect both the Party and its members who have been victims of the wanton attacks which formed the subject of the complaint," stated the letter.

The development marks a significant de-escalation in what appeared to be brewing internal tensions within the opposition party, with the leadership choosing reconciliation over punitive action against one of its most vocal leaders.