Edwin Sifuna Faces Sack Threat as ODM SG Over Government Coalition Stance
The national dialogue initially touted by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga has sparked sharp divisions within the latter’s political faction.
Disagreements have emerged among high-ranking ODM members over the dialogue’s objectives, with some suggesting the talks were a covert strategy to secure Cabinet positions for Raila’s key supporters.
In a clarifying statement on Tuesday, July 23, the party’s Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, asserted that the focus of the bipartisan talks would not be on Cabinet appointments but rather on addressing the concerns of Kenyans in light of recent anti-government protests.
“The talking points in the bipartisan talks will be centered around the compensation to families of victims of extra-judicial executions, the release of all individuals in custody related to protests since last year, the prosecution of police officers involved in shootings, and the dismissal of Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei,” Sifuna outlined.
He firmly dismissed the speculation that ODM intended to join the government, emphasizing that the party’s aim was a national conversation, predicated on the establishment of a conducive environment through the implementation of the aforementioned conditions.
“A narrative has been woven that ODM is desperate to join the government when all along we have been clear that what we seek is a national conversation preceded by the creation of the necessary environment through the implementation of the conditions above. 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. 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,” Sifuna declared.
However, Sifuna’s resolute stance has incited opposition within the party, with some members threatening his removal from office. Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma challenged Sifuna, arguing that his statement did not reflect the party’s collective resolution.
“This is not what ODM resolved in the last meeting. Please communicate the true Party position or we sack you, with immediate effect!” tweeted Kaluma, demanding a clear articulation of the party’s stance regarding the National Convention.
And this is our POSITION. pic.twitter.com/Yk3iipK4ic
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) July 23, 2024
In contrast, Siaya Governor James Orengo, a senior ODM figure, backed Sifuna, staunchly opposing any notion of the party joining the government. Orengo’s support underscores the deepening rift within ODM as the debate over the national dialogue continues to unfold.
As the situation escalates, the future of ODM’s leadership and its stance on national issues remain under intense scrutiny, with Sifuna’s position at the center of the controversy.
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Edwin Sifuna Faces Sack Threat as ODM SG Over Government Coalition Stance
