A top Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) official has dismissed claims that Edwin Sifuna is set to be removed as the party’s Secretary General amid reports of internal conflicts over whether to support President William Ruto‘s agenda or to champion the interests of the ODM party.
Speaking in an interview at Chungwa House, ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen responded to questions about whether the Nairobi Senator was “living on borrowed time,” stating that Sifuna speaks for the party.
“All of us live on borrowed time in this world, but if it is about his position as Secretary General, I can only say he has conducted himself with diligence in articulating the party’s position.
As the official spokesperson of the party, he has not veered off from the script as far as I know,” Ong’wen said.
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Ong’wen also acknowledged that Sifuna is a politician and has the liberty to speak on issues beyond ODM’s internal affairs.
“At the same time, we must also recognize that Sifuna is a politician. He has a constituency outside the party, especially as a senator of a cosmopolitan area. There are some audiences he speaks to that are not necessarily ODM,” the ODM Executive Director stated.
Sifuna and other party members, including Governor James Orengo, have faced criticism from a section of the party members.
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Sifuna and Orengo have opposed the coalition spearheaded by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi recently criticized Governor Orengo for his stance on the broad-based government, emphasizing the importance of supporting President Ruto’s administration.
He suggested that as a member of his community, Orengo should defend the government’s efforts.
Gladys Wanga warns party members opposing broad based government
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga also cautioned party leaders against attacking President Ruto’s government, noting that some ODM members were serving in it.
She described those calling for ODM to criticize the government as “enemies who are friends with shareholders.”
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“It is either you are with us or with the shareholders. As a party, we must recognize that our people are in government. We cannot wage war against them; otherwise, we will be a party of contradictions,” she stated at a funeral in Homa Bay.
Some of the ODM leaders who have been supporting the broad-based government include Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, and Nyando MP Jared Okello.
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