UDA Senator Claims Ruto Is Behind Sifuna’s Removal as ODM Secretary General

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February 12, 2026

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has claimed that the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General was orchestrated by President William Ruto.

Speaking on Thursday, February 13, he alleged that the move was a continuation of earlier threats allegedly issued by Ruto following public criticism from Sifuna.

Nyutu argued that events unfolded exactly as had been previously warned.

“The removal of Sifuna has nothing to do with ODM but with President Ruto. If you recall, during the burial of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard, Ruto warned Sifuna against attacking him, claiming he is one of the founding members of ODM and that he would call a meeting to have him disciplined. That meeting was held yesterday, just as he promised,” he said.

File image of Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu

As earlier reported, Ruto had issued a warning to Sifuna, invoking his role as a founding member of the ODM Party.

Speaking during the burial of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard George Oduor’s funeral on Saturday, April 12, 2025, Ruto reminded Sifuna of his deep-rooted ties to ODM and implied that continued provocation could lead to disciplinary action from the party’s original leadership.

“When you speak about me, Edwin Sifuna, know that I am a founding member of ODM. If you push me too far, I will call for a meeting of the founding members, and if we do, we can discipline you,” he said.

During the event, Sifuna had delivered a bold address aimed at Ruto, calling out what he described as self-inflicted difficulties in the Head of State’s administration.

He drew attention to the recent Echoes of War controversy, urging the president to take control of his government.

“Like the Bishop mentioned, your job is very hard, and I agree with him because at some point I usually wonder if you get to sleep.

“However, there are some difficulties you have imposed on yourself. Like the drama we saw in Nakuru where Butere Girls’ High School students were stopped from performing, that’s a problem you have imposed on yourself,” he said.

ODM dismissed Sifuna as its Secretary General on Wednesday, February 11, following a National Executive Council meeting.

Sifuna will leave his office with immediate effect and will be replaced by Catherine Omanyo.

“The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect. Effectively, Hon. Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected,” the statement read in part.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff explained Sifuna was dismissed over his constant disrespect for the Party Leader, Oburu Odinga.

He reported that Sifuna and his brigade had questioned the appointment of Oburu as the party leader despite due process being taken.

“It is immoral for anyone to challenge the validity of Oburu Odinga in private or in public. No one can claim to be oxygen, without which we cannot live. Anyone is replaceable in this party,” he declared.

Ababu Namwamba Blasts John Mbadi Over Firing Claims

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John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda Ababu Namwamba has hit out at Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi over claims that he initiated his removal as the ODM Secretary General back in 2016.

In a statement on Thursday, February 11, Namwamba clarified that he was not fired from the role.

The former ODM Secretary General said he resigned from the position in broad daylight when it became untenable for him.

“My brother John Mbadi, you cannot rewrite history. No one ever fired me from the position of ODM Secretary General.

“When I couldn’t stand the everlasting party shenanigans, I had the audacity, the valor, the cojones and the honour to walk away, head held high, with my pride intact,” said Namwamba.

The Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda noted that he had since moved on and was content with his choice.

He urged Mbadi to focus on strengthening the party, arguing that ODM’s current fortunes are not comparable to its peak years.

“Though proudly a founding visionary of the Orange Dream, I moved on, happily so. Please concentrate your passion and energies on strengthening the party, whose fortunes today are certainly not what they were in 2007, when we waged the most formidable political blitz in Kenyan history, or in 2016, when I boldly walked away in broad daylight,” Namwamba added.

His remarks come after CS Mbadi claimed that in 2016, while serving as ODM Chairperson, he made sure Namwamba was removed from the Secretary General position.

Speaking on Sunday, the National Treasury CS said he convened a disciplinary committee meeting against Namwamba.

“When I was the chairperson of the party and Ababu Namwamba was misbehaving, I made sure he left. I convened a disciplinary committee against him as the SG,” said Mbadi.

This clash between Ababu and Mbadi comes in the backdrop of Edwin Sifuna’s ouster from the ODM SG position.

Sifuna was removed from the role on Wednesday, February 11, after an ODM National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Oburu Oginga.

He was replaced by Catherine Omanyo, who will serve in an acting capacity until the party appoints a substantive replacement.

Raila Junior, Winnie Odinga React After Sifuna Was Kicked Out of ODM SG Position

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John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga’s children, Raila Junior and Winnie Odinga, have weighed in on the removal of Edwin Sifuna as the ODM Secretary General.

In a statement on Wednesday, February 11, Raila Junior suggested that great people are often shaped by difficult challenges.

“The finest steel must go through the hottest fire,” he wrote on his X account.

On the other hand, Winnie expressed dissatisfaction with the decision by ODM to remove Sifuna from the Secretary General position.

“It is not well,” the EALA MP posted on her Facebook page.

File image of former ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Sifuna was kicked out on Wednesday evening following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

The meeting NEC, chaired by ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, appointed Catherine Omanyo to replace Sifuna in an acting capacity.

“The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect.

“Effectively, Hon. Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected,” ODM said in a statement.

Sifuna’s ouster came after he publicly criticized aspects of party operations, including the selection of Oburu as the ODM party leader.

Oburu hit back at Sifuna, terming his criticisms as confusing personal opinion with official party policy.

Meanwhile, Senator Sifuna has announced he will address the media on Thursday following his removal.

The Nairobi Senator also thanked Kenyans for the overwhelming messages of support and encouragement they have sent him.

“Following yesterday’s events, I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and encouragement.

“I will speak to the press this morning to address some of your concerns. Thank You. God bless,” Sifuna said in a statement.

Edwin Sifuna Breaks Silence After Being Removed From ODM SG Position

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John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has broken his silence after he was removed as the ODM Party Secretary General.

In a statement on Thursday, February 12, Sifuna said he will speak to the press today to address his removal from the ODM SG position.

The Nairobi Senator also said he is overwhelmed by the messages of support he has received from Kenyans following his ouster.

“Following yesterday’s events, I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and encouragement.

“I will speak to the press this morning to address some of your concerns. Thank You. God bless,” Sifuna stated.

Sifuna was dismissed from the position of ODM Secretary General following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Oburu Oginga on Wednesday, February 11.

He was replaced by Catherine Omanyo, who will serve in an acting capacity until the party appoints a substantive replacement.

“The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect.

“Effectively, Hon. Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected,” ODM said in a statement.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff explained Sifuna was dismissed over his constant disrespect for Oburu.

“It is immoral for anyone to challenge the validity of Oburu Odinga in private or in public. No one can claim to be oxygen, without which we cannot live. Anyone is replaceable in this party,” said the Mombasa Governor.

On Friday, February 6, Oburu slammed Sifuna over some of the comments made during an interview with Citizen TV.

The Siaya Senator accused Sifuna of misleading the party’s supporters and influencing the general discourse around ODM.

Responding to Sifuna, who had questioned the legitimacy of some of the party’s national officials and its organs, Oburu asserted that Sifuna himself was a product of the party’s processes regarding the elections of its officials.

“ODM has, since its inception, demonstrated fidelity to its Constitution and to the rule of law. The same principle has put every individual in their rightful position, including that of Sen. Sifuna,” Oburu stated.

“We want to state categorically that all Party officials are serving substantially and supported by the Party organ resolutions.”

Cybercrime Suspect Seth Mwabe Arraigned Over Alleged Ksh11.4 Million Microfinance Fraud

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Editor

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February 12, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit (BFIU) have arrested and arraigned Seth Mwabe Okwanyo, also known as Seth Onyango Odhiambo, in connection with an alleged cyber fraud scheme that resulted in the loss of Ksh11.4 million from a microfinance institution.

According to investigators, the case stems from a formal complaint filed by the institution over a series of suspicious transactions that occurred on July 16, 2025.

On that day, thirty-eight transactions were processed through the institution’s system, leading to a total loss of Ksh11,410,165.

Investigations established that the transactions were not reflected in the institution’s internal records, despite being marked as successful on the recipients’ end.

Detectives said the anomaly suggested deliberate interference with the system’s visibility and control mechanisms.

Further forensic analysis revealed that system and database logs had allegedly been erased, raising suspicion of a coordinated attempt to conceal the activity.

Investigators also reported the unauthorised installation of a Java-based application within the institution’s system, which they believe was used to manipulate transaction processes.

Police allege that the suspect used the compromised system to transfer funds and subsequently channelled the proceeds through various accomplices in an effort to conceal the source of the money.

Okwanyo was charged with multiple offences, including unauthorised access to a computer system, computer fraud and money laundering.

He pleaded not guilty to all twenty counts.

The court released him on a bond of Ksh1.5 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000.

The matter is scheduled for mention on March 3, 2026, as investigations continue.

Mumias Sugar Explains Cane Harvest Delays, Cites Industry Shutdown, Rival Claims and Dry Weather Challenges

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Editor

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February 12, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Mumias Sugar Limited has issued a public statement addressing delays in sugarcane harvesting, attributing the disruption to overlapping cane ownership disputes with rival millers, operational pressure following a three-month industry shutdown and difficult terrain in parts of Busia County.

In an update dated February 11, 2026, the company acknowledged that harvesting activities have been affected by conflicts in the field over claims of self-developed cane.

It said disputes involving competitors, including West Kenya Sugar Company and Busia Sugar Industry, have led to complaints being lodged with regulators and interruptions to harvesting operations, including alleged harassment of harvesting teams.

Mumias Sugar also pointed to the impact of a three-month closure of the sugar sector last year, which had been intended to allow cane to mature.

According to the company, the resumption of operations coincided with an increase in mature cane ready for harvesting.

Combined with daily crushing capacity limits, this has resulted in a backlog as farmers seek to harvest before the onset of the rainy season.

The miller further noted that a significant proportion of its contracted cane is grown in lowland areas of Busia County, where access becomes challenging during periods of heavy rainfall.

It stated that adverse weather conditions have slowed harvesting in those regions and pledged continued investment in additional equipment to improve efficiency and access.

The company assured farmers that it remains committed to harvesting all properly registered cane and maintaining weekly payments.

It urged growers to work closely with field officers and adhere to scheduled harvesting plans to ease logistical pressure.

Mumias Sugar reiterated that it is focused on improving long-term service delivery and stabilising operations within the sugar sector.

Ghana Declares Wednesday ‘Fugu Day’ to embrace Traditional Outfit After Online mockery.

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Editor

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February 12, 2026

Ghanaians across the country have turned out en masse to wear the country’s colourful traditional outfit, the fugu, after the government designated Wednesdays “Fugu Day”.

The move comes after President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia last week when he wore the garment. Some mockingly called it a “blouse”, prompting a fierce response from Ghanaians online.

Ghana’s Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie said on Tuesday that wearing the outfit every week would help project the country’s identity “with pride on the global stage”.

She encouraged wearing the outfit “in all its diverse forms, designs, and expressions, complemented by its distinctive and beautiful accessories”.

The fugu, also known as batakari, is a traditional northern Ghanaian top made from hand‑woven, narrow strips of thick cotton fabric stitched together to form a structured, poncho‑style garment.

It is worn by traditional leaders in northern Ghana, as well as ordinary citizens, and is a symbol of royalty and authority.

The traditional fugu top is more often associated with men, who sometimes wear trousers and a hat in matching material, but women also wear a version of it, which can be styled longer or as a dress.

When Ghana became the first sub-Saharan nation to break free from colonial rule in 1957, its founding father – the pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah – and five others wore fugus at the celebrations that marked the country’s independence from the UK.

Beyond its cultural importance, Gomashie said the outfit’s weekly display would “generate far-reaching social and economic benefits” especially for local weavers, designers, artisans and traders.

“The government hopes that this collective embrace of fugu will strengthen national unity, stimulate the creative economy, and serve as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s cultural confidence and self-expression,” the minister added.

Following the announcement, many Ghanaians on Wednesday heeded the minister’s call, wearing the outfit in a variety of colours across the country.

Bismark Owusu Sarpong told the BBC in the capital, Accra, that he was proud to wear his blue, white and black striped fugu, which he had received as a gift, to put “Ghana on the map” – plus he said the outfit came with the added bonus of being comfortable.

Raymond Avenor, also in Accra, agreed wholeheartedly with this: ”Fugu is an easy wear.

“You pick it and off you go. You don’t have to iron it, we don’t wash it often as it should be,” the civil servant told the BBC, sporting a blue fugu with white stitching.

“Significantly it’s the northern people of Ghana that use this and it depicts, according to my understanding, royalty. I feel good when I wear it.”

For Andrews Tetteh Zutah, who owns more than seven of the tops, “Fugu Day” should not only be restricted to Wednesdays.

“I wish to have more,” said the Accra office worker in his stripped red, khaki and black fugu.

“I wish I will be allowed to wear it anytime to the office but because of office constraints I’m unable to wear it every day. Personally, it’s one of the outfits I love most.”

The attention has been great for fugu makers and sellers too.

Elijah Sulemana Musah, owner of a fugu factory, says business is booming – adding that he has received lots of orders from Ghanaian celebrities such as popular musicians Okyeame Kwame and Kwabena Kwabena.

”I’ve had calls coming in from several places both within and outside Ghana. I just met someone who said Zambians have called her and they are interested in the fugu and so she would wants me to supply to her,” he told the BBC.

The iconic outfit has been trending on social media for days following the banter between Ghanaians and Zambians.

This revived a cultural movement on social media, with Ghanaians informally declaring “Fugu Friday” to showcase the outfits. Fridays had been designated by the previous government as a day where people were encouraged to wear traditional clothes.

The debate prompted Ghanaians, including MPs, to flood social media proudly showcasing their fugus, while Zambians featured wearing their traditional outfits known as siziba.

The online exchange attracted the attention of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who announced that his country would order fugus from Ghana.

President Mahama also suggested exporting the smock in bulk to Zambia.

While emphasising the fugu’s cultural and political significance, Mahama gave a nod to Nkrumah and how he had worn it in 1957 and said that he himself had recently worn it proudly to the UN.

Other presidents, including Nana Akufo-Addo, John Kufuor and Jerry John Rawlings, have also embraced and publicly promoted the outfit.

Nottingham Forest Sacks Head Coach Sean Dyche With immediate Effect

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Editor

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February 12, 2026

Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Sean Dyche, the Premier League club has announced.

It comes hours after he oversaw a 0-0 draw with bottom side Wolves. He leaves the club sitting 17th in the table, just three points above the relegation zone with 12 games remaining.

“Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as head coach,” a statement said.

“We would like to thank Sean and his staff for their efforts during their time at the club and we wish them the best of luck for the future. We will be making no further comment at this time.”

It’s the third time Forest have sacked their manager this season, following Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.

It’s also the second Premier League managerial sacking of the week, after Spurs dismissed Thomas Frank, and the eighth managerial departure in the English top-flight so far this season.

Dyche took charge in October with Forest third from bottom in the table after a run of one win in eight games during a difficult start to the campaign.

He was in charge for 114 days, during which time he guided the team to the Europa League play-offs, where they will face Turkish side Fenerbahce in the first of a two-legged tie next week.

Forest look set to become the first Premier League club to have four permanent managers in a single season.

Liverpool Dig Deeper Into 0-1 Victory Over Sunderland

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Editor

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February 12, 2026

Liverpool earned a hard-fought 0-1 win over Sunderland in a demanding clash. Van Dijk’s header from a corner made the difference in a match the Reds largely controlled, though they had to withstand late pressure from the hosts.

After a clear late chance for Liverpool, the match comes to an end. The Reds secure a 0-1 away win in a tough and hard-fought contest. Three crucial points in their push for consolidation, against a determined Sunderland side that never stopped fighting.

The defender scored the only goal of the day off of a corner from Mohamed Salah, with both players breaking records in the process. Van Dijk officially became the defender with the most goals in the Premier League for Liverpool, surpassing Sami Hyppia’s tally of 22. Salah himself tied Steven Gerrard’s record of most assists in the Premier League for Liverpool, with 92 moments of setting up goals for the Reds. Not a bad day out for our leadership, despite Salah being unable to find a goal himself.

The win will take a little bit of pressure off the coach, but Liverpool are still in 6th and behind historic rivals Manchester United. There have been just two wins in the last ten Premier League matches, too, which isn’t a great record to think of it. Regardless of where we land in the battle for the Champions League places, we should be doing whatever we can to not finish behind our neighbors. We will surely hear about the pressure for the next few days until the coach is tested again on Saturday.

Lebanon to decide on plan to control arms north of Litani next week.

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Editor

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February 12, 2026

Lebanon’s government will decide next week how to move to the second phase of a plan to extend its authority and place all arms under state control in areas north of the Litani River, its information minister said on Wednesday.

The decision will be based on a presentation by the army outlining its needs and capabilities, the minister, Paul Morcos, told reporters during a visit to Kuwait, where he was attending an Arab meeting.

The Lebanese army said in January that it had taken operational control in the area between the Litani River and the border with Israel. The cabinet asked the army to brief it in early February on how to pursue disarmament in other parts of the country.

“We have completed the first phase, south of the Litani River. Next week the government will take a decision regarding the second phase considering what the army commander sets out in terms of needs and capabilities, so that we can decide accordingly, based on that explanation,” Morcos said.

Lebanon has been seeking to place all arms under state control, in line with a November 2024 U.S.-brokered ceasefire that ended a war between Israel and the Iran-backed Shi’ite Muslim group Hezbollah.

Morcos ruled out the possibility of any confrontation between the Lebanese army and Hezbollah, saying the objective was “to extend state authority and achieve stability, and insofar as these goals can be achieved together, we will proceed”.

Israel has carried out regular strikes in Lebanon since the end of the war with Hezbollah, killing around 400 people since the ceasefire, according to a toll from Lebanese security sources.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of seeking to rearm in violation of the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. Hezbollah says it has respected the ceasefire in southern Lebanon.

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