The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has issued a statement over its position on the current state of the nation and its alleged division ahead of a decision to engage the government in a national conversation.
ODM in a statement by its Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on July 23 said that it had noted with concern continued attempts to misrepresent its position on the ongoing crisis in the country and specifically on the proposed national dialogue to resolve the same.
The party has refuted any claims of having negotiations with President William Ruto to form any Coalition government.
“As a Party, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that we are not in negotiations with the Ruto regime for any coalition or political arrangement,” read part of the statement.
“During our two consecutive Central Committee meetings held on July 2 and July 12, 2024, as well as in H.E. Odinga’s communication on Sunday, July 23 – we reiterated this position and asserted that this National Conversation must be preceded by the following preconditions.”
ODM maintained that the accusation that the party has prevaricated or flip-flopped on the matter is totally false.
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Further, it said that any ODM member who makes themselves available to join the Kenya Kwanza cabinet or any other position should know that they do so without the blessing or support of the Party.
ODM Issues Statement Over National Conversation
“Some of our members have also fallen for the campaign of lies and misinterpreted our stance as a license to engage the Kenya Kwanza leadership and canvass for ministerial and/or other positions in the Ruto government,” the statement adds.
The Raila Odinga-led Party, at the same time, announced its retaliation of the position that some issues must be addressed before getting in a National Conversation with the government.
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Some of the demands made by the Party include the sacking of the Nairobi Police Commander, Adamson Bungei and compensation to the families of the victims of extra- judicial executions and persons injured by the state since last year.
Demands
Also, ODM demanded the release of all persons in custody and termination of all cases related to protests since last year and prosecution of policemen involved in shooting to kill or maim protestors.
The party said that its foregoing position was unanimously adopted by the joint National Executive Committee (NEC)/ Parliamentary group meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
According to the party, a narrative has been woven that it is desperate to join the government.
The party, however, said that all along it has been clear that it was supporting a national conversation preceded by the creation of the necessary environment through the implementation of the conditions above.
ODM has maintained that it remains committed to its principles and the ongoing struggle for a better Kenya.
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