The question of how to remove the sitting secretary general in ODM has gained national attention following a petition by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch seeking the removal of Edwin Sifuna.
The move, though later withdrawn after party intervention, exposed the strict legal and party-based steps required to oust a sitting secretary general. The process follows the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution.
It demands due process, internal discipline, and formal approval by key party organs before removal becomes official.
How to Remove Secretary General in ODM Under Party Rules
The process of removing a sitting secretary general in the Orange Democratic Movement follows a clear legal and institutional path. ODM does not allow abrupt or unilateral removal. Every step must align with the Political Parties Act of 2022 and the ODM party constitution.
Any attempt to remove a secretary general begins with a formal complaint. A party member must file a petition to the national chairperson. The chairperson holds authority over disciplinary matters within the party.
The petition must outline clear grounds for removal. These include gross misconduct, violation of the party constitution, or actions viewed by the party to amount to resignation. Supporting rival political interests also qualifies under the rules.
Once received, the national chairperson forwards the petition to the ODM disciplinary committee. This step ensures that no single office acts alone. It protects the party from arbitrary decisions and internal chaos.
Filing a Petition Against the ODM Secretary General
The petition stage forms the foundation of removing the secretary general in ODM. Without it, the process cannot proceed.
The petition must rely on facts, not opinions. It must list specific actions that breach party rules. Vague accusations fail at this stage.
The petitioner submits the complaint formally. Informal pressure or public statements do not replace this requirement. ODM rules insist on written documentation.
In the recent case, Senator Eddy Oketch cited alleged gross misconduct. However, he later withdrew the petition after intervention by senior party leadership. That withdrawal effectively halted the process.
A petition only triggers the process. It does not remove the Secretary General on its own.
Role of the Disciplinary Committee and Fair Hearing
After receiving the petition, the disciplinary committee takes charge. Article 8.4.2 of the ODM constitution guides this stage. The committee must offer a fair hearing. The Secretary General has the right to respond to every allegation. The rules of natural justice apply.
The committee listens to both sides. It examines evidence and written submissions. It then reaches a finding based on party law. If the committee clears the official, the process ends. If it finds the official culpable, it prepares recommendations. These may include suspension or expulsion from office.
This stage protects party democracy. It prevents politically motivated removals driven by personal rivalries.
NEC Vote and Role of the Registrar of Political Parties
The National Executive Council holds the final internal authority on how to remove the secretary general in ODM.
Once the disciplinary committee submits its recommendation, the NEC convenes. Members debate the findings. They then vote on whether to remove the secretary general.
A simple majority vote is enough to approve removal. If the NEC rejects the recommendation, the secretary general remains in office.
After approval, the party must act quickly. ODM must notify the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. The law requires submission of Form PP7 within 14 days after appointing a new officeholder.
Without this notification, the removal lacks legal effect. The registrar records the change and updates official party records.
ODM has followed this route before. In 2016, the party removed Ababu Namwamba from the secretary general position. Internal disputes and leadership tensions marked that process.
Later, the party appointed Agnes Zani in an interim role. In 2018, the NEC confirmed Edwin Sifuna as substantive Secretary General.
These events show that ODM relies on structured processes. The party prioritizes legality and internal order.
Understanding how to remove a sitting secretary general in ODM reveals a system built on checks and balances. It ensures stability, fairness, and respect for party institutions even during intense political disagreements.
