Tensions inside Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) reached a new level after Secretary General Edwin Sifuna publicly declared the party’s cooperation deal with the ruling UDA party “officially dead.” His remarks, made during a Tuesday night interview on Citizen TV, stirred strong reactions within ODM, prompting party leader Raila Odinga to intervene and defend Sifuna during a high-stakes meeting in Kakamega.
What Did Edwin Sifuna Say About the ODM-UDA Deal?
While appearing on The Explainer with Yvonne Okwara, Sifuna criticized the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and UDA. He said the deal had failed because the government had not implemented key agreements, particularly concerning extrajudicial killings. Sifuna also stated that ODM leaders currently serving in President Ruto’s cabinet were acting in their capacity, not on behalf of the party. These leaders include John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Beatrice Askul.
His comments triggered backlash from some within ODM, with calls for his resignation surfacing. But on Friday, Odinga pushed back, asserting that ODM is a democratic party where members can voice their views freely. “Everybody has a right to speak their mind, that is what ODM stands for,” he said.
How Did Raila Odinga Respond to the Internal Criticism?
Speaking to party delegates, Odinga acknowledged the disagreements but clarified that the party’s central organs would meet to review the MoU and decide the way forward. He reminded members that Sifuna, as SG, is the party’s official spokesperson, but also entitled to personal opinions. “ODM is a democratic party, and therefore ODM must tolerate divergent views within our party,” he said.
Odinga emphasized that once a consensus is reached, the party will communicate a unified stance. He confirmed Sifuna was part of the original MoU drafting team and argued that several elements of the agreement have been violated. He especially condemned police brutality during protests, pointing to recent shoot-to-kill orders as unacceptable. “Huwezi kupiga binadamu risasi kama mnyama,” he said.
Who Else Supported Sifuna During the ODM Conference?
Deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Nassir and Godfrey Osotsi strongly backed Sifuna. Nassir reminded attendees that Sifuna had warned about the risks of a political partnership with UDA from the beginning. Osotsi went further, stating that he had personally approved Sifuna’s Citizen TV appearance. He warned that if Sifuna were forced out, he would also leave his party role. “Na mkisema aende, ata mimi ntaenda,” Osotsi said.
Sifuna himself remained unapologetic. Speaking candidly, he said ODM belongs to its five million members, not a few elites. He insisted he would only step down if ODM members or Raila Odinga lost confidence in him. “Mimi kama mwanafunzi wa Raila, nataka kusema hakuna mwanasiasa ambaye anatusiwa, kejeliwa na koselewa zaidi yake,” he said.
Attempts by some leaders, like COTU boss Francis Atwoli, to criticize Sifuna were met with heckling. The grassroots message was clear: the party base stands behind the SG, at least for now.
By Lucky Anyanje
