Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna over his recent remarks concerning the party and the Kenya Kwanza government.
Sifuna, during an interview on Citizen TV, continued his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to fulfill its promises to the people and breaching the 10-point agenda outlined in the working agreement between UDA and ODM.
In response, while addressing delegates at the ODM conference in Kakamega County on Friday, July 25, Raila stated that every member of ODM has the right to express their opinion.
Raila further stated that ODM is a democratic party and must accommodate divergent views within its ranks.
“Those things Sifuna said… If Sifuna has spoken, he has the right to do so. If you disagree with his opinion, then express yours—that is democracy.
“I have never said that you shouldn’t speak in the party about anything. If you see Baba making a mistake, speak up. Tell me, ‘You are old, Baba, and you should go back home to Bondo.”
Raila Defends Sifuna, Calls Out ODM Leaders Attacking Him
The former Prime minister criticized leaders who have been attacking Sifuna on the media stating that such issues should be handled internally. He also reminded party members of the structures in place to handle disagreements.
He added, “We must uphold democracy in ODM. As members of the party, we have many internal organs. If Sifuna speaks, I shouldn’t go out and criticize him in the newspapers.
“We will wait until we meet in the Central Committee or the National Executive Committee. Everyone will speak, and then we will give Sifuna direction on what to tell the press. He is the official spokesperson of ODM,” Raila stated.
He further noted that the party will convene a meeting once they have deliberated and reached a consensus internally, it becomes the binding party position.
Also Read: Why Raila Can’t Remove Edwin Sifuna as ODM SG
Raila was speaking after Sifuna, who was also present at the event, declared that he would only step down as ODM Secretary General if instructed to do so by Raila Odinga.
He asserted that his leadership is anchored in the trust of those who understand his journey within the party.
“There are people in this party who do not know where Sifuna came from or how he became Secretary General. I will not listen to them,” he said.
“There are people who know the path Sifuna took to this position—including Raila Odinga. The day they tell me, ‘Sifuna, your conduct is becoming questionable in this party,’ I will surrender the seat without causing chaos.”
Sifuna in his interview sensationally declared the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and UDA party null and void.
He openly admitted that ODM is struggling with internal contradictions and a lack of ideological clarity, leaving both members and supporters unsure about the party’s stance on critical national issues.
Also Read: Revealed: Trick Raila will Use to Counter Mt Kenya’s Tyranny of Numbers
Tensions Rise in ODM as Leaders Clash Over Sifuna’s Remarks
Sifuna’s remarks hinted at deeper tensions brewing within ODM’s senior leadership, especially amid concerns over the party’s current strategy as its leader Raila Odinga continues to defend the Kenya Kwanza government.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed countered Sifuna’s assertion, emphasizing that only Raila has the authority to make any declarations regarding the party’s agreement with the ruling coalition.
“We are in ODM, and we are in the broad-based government. In that government, an MoU was signed. The only person who can declare that MoU dead or alive is Baba alone,” Junet stated.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi also took issue with Sifuna’s comments, terming them divisive and urging him to respect the party’s leadership.
“Between the Party Leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” Mbadi posed.
Joining the criticism, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda called for Sifuna’s resignation or expulsion from ODM.
“You cannot dine at the table of unity by day and sharpen swords of sabotage by night. That’s political conmanship. If you think you have better ideas than President Ruto, run against him,” he said.
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