Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has withdrawn a controversial motion seeking to de-whip and expel Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, opting instead to resolve the dispute through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
In a letter dated January 6, 2026, Aguko, Osman & Company Advocates, acting on behalf of Senator Oketch, confirmed the withdrawal of the motion that had been filed just a day earlier, on January 5.
The lawmaker explained that the decision followed consultations with the party leader, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga. The advocates highlighted the influence of the party’s founding leader, the late Raila Odinga, in shaping the 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 advocates acknowledged that concerns over Senator Sifuna’s conduct were valid.
“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 letter continued, “Senator Oketch has been persuaded to withdraw the Motion Letter dated January 5, 2026.”
The ODM leadership will now invoke Article 16(1)(g) of the party Constitution, which empowers the party leader to facilitate amicable dispute resolution through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) 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,” the letter added.
The development marks a significant de-escalation in what appeared to be brewing internal tensions within the opposition party. By choosing dialogue and reconciliation over punitive action, ODM leadership is signaling a preference for unity and internal cohesion, even amid disagreements involving some of its most vocal figures.
