ODM leader Raila Odinga during a past function. Odinga has defended Sifuna against attacks by leaders over his recent remarks on state of UDA-ODM deal. Photo: ODM X.
On Friday, the largest and oldest party in the country Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stirred debate, rallies turned into a responding podium to attack and correct Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
During an interview on Tuesday, July 22, Sifuna emphasized that the MOU between UDA and ODM was dead after the death of X blogger Albert Ojwang’ and increase in killings, which he termed as a betrayal from Kenya Kwanza side.
Sifuna sentiments received harsh criticism from leaders in the party, accusing him of jeopardizing the party’s stand and misleading the country on working relationship between the government and Raila Odinga led party.
Speaking in Kisumu yesterday, ODM National chairperson Gladys Wanga said that Sifuna does not speak for the party, as the party will be directed on their agreement with Kenya Kwanza by Odinga.
“We have not moved out of Broad-Based government, and there is no single day that Baba has said we are out of government. If you come out and say we are out of government and Baba has not said, you do not speak on behalf of the party,” Wanga said.
Echoing the sentiments of Wanga, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed added that only Raila Odinga can declare ODM-UDA Deal dead, urging Sifuna to leave the party if he feels uncomfortable for the confusion in the party.
During a delegates meeting in Kakamega on Friday, Sifuna said he was being fought for defending the party leader, and the future of the leader, slamming leaders calling for re-election of President William Ruto, despite Odinga not giving such directives.
He further added that he is ready to step down if called upon, but will not stop from defending the party, and urged those criticising him to express their loyalty in ways they can. Interesting, UDA members have also called for expulsion of Sifuna as the party’s SG, for threatening the unity of the signed agreement.
On Friday speaking in Uasin Gishu County, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi claimed that Sifuna demanded KSh 300 million to support Raila Odinga and President William Ruto course to unite the country. He described Sifuna is a political broker, join former DP Rigathi Gachagua, whom he described as best in doing political brokering.
In a shocking tone, Odinga defended Sifuna, stating that Sifuna has the right to air out his views, and cannot hold him back, further shutting Sifuna critics, Odinga said when Sifuna speaks, he speaks on behalf of the party.
“Everybody has a right to speak their mind, that is what ODM stands for. There will be difference of opinions. Kama Sifuna ameongea, ako na haki ya kuongea. Kama wewe unatofautiana na yeye kimaoni, sema yako…hiyo ndio demokrasia. Mimi sijasema ati wewe usiongee kwa chama, sema ata kama unaona Baba anafanya makosa. Wanachama wa ODM wakisema Baba amechoka arudi Bondo, bas!” Odinga said.
Odinga’s remarks not only raising questions on the position of their working agreement with Kenya Kwanza government, and the cold war within the party. Even though Sifuna received support from Odinga, the immense tension between the party members is inevitable.
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