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On Friday, February 12, regional newspapers highlighted the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as ODM’s secretary general following prolonged conflicts with the party’s leadership regarding strategies to collaborate with UDA before the 2027 elections.

1. Daily Nation

The report indicates that the United Opposition is moving nearer to discarding Azimio as its 2027 election platform, indicating a significant shift as leaders aim to prevent President William Ruto from securing a second term.

Commenting before a crucial meeting in Naivasha, coalition representative Dr Mukhisa Kituyi rejected discussions about reactivating Azimio in its present structure.

He mentioned that the opposition would focus on developing a new framework, organization, leadership approach, and plan, with a detailed statement anticipated following the two-day gathering.

His comments seem to go against recent actions taken by former president Uhuru Kenyatta, who aimed to appoint Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the leader of Azimio after Raila Odinga’s passing.

Long before official decisions are announced, insiders indicate that Azimio might not endure as the opposition’s label in the upcoming General Election.

Nevertheless, Cleophas Malala, the deputy leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, pointed out that Azimio is still a legally recognized coalition under the Political Parties Act, indicating that any dissolution must adhere to proper procedures.

Nevertheless, he was explicit about the coalition’s main slogan, the “Wantam” campaign designed to ensure Ruto holds only one term.

In the meantime, ODM leader and Siaya senator Oburu Oginga has adopted a firm position, maintaining that no determination regarding Azimio can be valid without his party’s support.

2. The Standard

According to the daily, a conflict among leaders in a Luo WhatsApp group based in Mombasa has reached the High Court, revealing significant disagreements regarding control, identity, and authority.

The Nyikwa Ramogi Ajwang’ group, comprising approximately 530 members, is requesting court injunctions to restore former Nyali MP Awiti Bolo, John Oucho, Cyrus Nyamita, and Mark Otweyo as principal administrators.

In a petition filed in Mombasa, Oucho and Nyamita argue that they were lawfully elected but were removed without notice, explanation or due process.

The conflict involves claims that a competing group, headed by Dennis Ombok together with Stephen Amayo, Pius Oketch, and the county’s Social Development Director, forcibly seized administrative authority on December 16, 2025.

The group’s name was reportedly altered from Nyikwa Ramogi Ajwang’ Mombasa to Oganda Ramogi Ajwang’ without seeking input from its members, according to the petitioners, who claim this action indicated an attempt to seize control.

Oucho, who holds the position of vice chair, asserts that these actions are intentional and designed to hinder the group’s registration under the Community Groups Registration Act, 2022.

He informed the court that WhatsApp functions as the organization’s primary governance platform, acting as its main meeting place, office, and decision-making center.

The applicants claim that the ongoing interference breaches constitutional rights, such as the right to associate freely and fair administrative procedures.

3. The Star

As reported by the daily, the dismissal of Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna as ODM secretary general was confirmed during a dramatic National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that revealed significant divisions among the party’s senior leadership.

Following extended intense discussions, 25 NEC members cast their votes to remove Sifuna from the significant position, while four voiced their opposition to the proposal.

The announcement made by Catherine Omanyo, the Busia Woman Representative, became effective right away.

A high-pressure gathering, led in Mombasa by party head Oburu Oginga, also marked a wider political campaign aimed at former president Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Sources indicated the atmosphere was determined, with opposing opinions finding it difficult to influence the majority.

Deputy chairman of ODM, Otiende Amolo, treasurer Timothy Bosire, Kisumu woman representative Ruth Odinga, and a member known as Mike reportedly cast their votes to rescue Sifuna.

“The four put up a strong resistance, following extended discussions, we proceeded to vote, with 25 members casting their votes in favor of his removal, while only the four voted against it, but they were outvoted,” the newspaper reported.

They called on fellow members to maintain the party’s “collect all, leave none behind” principle and claimed he was entitled to a response. Nevertheless, their appeals were overshadowed by the intense environment.

“They attempted to persuade the members to grant him the right to respond, but no one was interested in listening. Ruth was also silenced while trying to promote the ‘gather all, scatter none’ approach,” the insider said to the publication.

Reports indicated that Sifuna was not present during the private meeting but conveyed his apologies via executive director Oduor Ongwen.

The NEC also stated that the National Delegates Convention will take place in Nairobi on March 27, 2026, an event anticipated to influence the future path of ODM.

4. Taifa Leo

A Swahili media outlet states that Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has given approval to a contentious bill which may enable President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in power until 2030, paving the way for a significant constitutional dispute.

The suggested law aims to reform the existing voting system by having presidents chosen by Members of Parliament and increasing their terms from five to seven years, with a limit of two terms.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi stated that the public was involved prior to the Bill being presented in Parliament, where the governing Zanu-PF party holds a majority in both houses.

Nevertheless, constitutional specialists claim that any such amendment necessitates a nationwide vote and cannot legally advantage an incumbent president.

Mnangagwa, aged 83, initially came into power in 2017 following a military action that led to the removal of long-serving leader Robert Mugabe. He secured victory in the 2018 elections and again in 2023, although the outcomes of the latter were contested. His present term is scheduled to conclude in 2028.

The effort to change the Constitution occurs against a backdrop of growing succession disputes inside Zanu-PF.

Previous indicators had pointed to internal opposition, with the late Blessed Geza, a veteran of the liberation war and former member of the central committee, becoming one of Mnangagwa’s most vocal opponents.

Prior to his passing in South Africa, Geza had called on Zimbabweans to oppose what he described as attempts to consolidate authority, alleging the president was eroding the essence of independence.