Sifuna Denies, Kaluma Confirms: Raila To Send Ruto CS Nominees’ List
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) seems to be at odds with itself, as conflicting statements emerge regarding their engagement with President William Ruto’s administration.
Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has openly contradicted the party’s earlier stance, revealing a potential coalition agreement with the Kenya Kwanza government.
On Tuesday morning, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna released a statement categorically denying any negotiations or lobbying for appointments with President Ruto’s government.
This came amid speculation that President Ruto had offered ODM leader Raila Odinga five Cabinet slots, a proposal seemingly designed to foster unity within the fractious opposition Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition.
However, later that afternoon, MP Kaluma, speaking in the National Assembly, painted a different picture. He confirmed that ODM is indeed working with the government to include some of its members in the remaining Cabinet positions.
Kaluma disclosed that Odinga is expected to send a list of candidates for Cabinet Secretary positions to President Ruto within the week.
“I want to congratulate the President for the appointments but also request that within the week, as soon as tomorrow, we want to see those appointments Baba was to forward today and we want all of them approved,” Kaluma stated. “We cannot leave anybody out.”
Kaluma emphasized the necessity of a government that represents all communities, underscoring the principle of inclusivity. “We are at a point in time when the nation is looking up to us to provide the leadership it needs. Last week, even as the ODM party, we sat and said the government of Kenya belongs to all of us,” he said. He also referenced Article 232 of the Constitution, which mandates that the public service reflects the face of Kenya, with all ethnic communities represented.
Peter Kaluma, MP Homa Bay Town, confirms in Parliament that Raila Odinga is to send names to the President for nomination as Cabinet Secretaries.
— Oliver Mathenge (@OliverMathenge) July 23, 2024
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Contradicting this, Sifuna reiterated that ODM supports ongoing protests for reforms led by the youth, insisting there are no talks to join Ruto’s government.
He clarified, “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.”
Sifuna’s statement and Kaluma’s remarks add to a series of contradictory messages from ODM. Over the weekend, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nominated MP John Mbadi, the party’s National Chairman, also provided conflicting statements on the matter.
This discord within ODM raises questions about its strategic direction and unity as it navigates the complex political landscape.
In Other News: Rebecca Miano Speaks Out After Being Left Off Cabinet List
Sifuna Denies, Kaluma Confirms: Raila To Send Ruto CS Nominees’ List
