ODM leader Raila Odinga has summoned a meeting of the Central Committee on Tuesday to iron out issues among members that have played out in public.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Committee is one of the top organs of the party, and its meetings are usually chaired by the party leader.
Members of the committee include the Party Leader, his deputies, the National Chairperson, Secretary-General, Treasurer, Organizing Secretary, Director of Campaigns, ODM Women Leader, ODM Youth Leader, three members appointed by the Party Leader, and the Executive Director (Ex-Officio).
According to the former premier, the outcome of the meeting shall determine the party’s stance and direction on a number of issues.
This comes at a time when the Orange party has been blowing hot and cold on its stance on the broad-based formation. The party’s Secretary-General, who is considered its mouthpiece, has been watering down the new formation.
Mr Odinga, who is the party boss, has been on record supporting the William Ruto-led administration. However, a section of his lieutenants has been castigating his broad-based outfit.
“We have a democratic party where people are free to express their opinions. This is a democratic party, and every opinion is respected,” said Mr Odinga, who was addressing mourners at a burial ceremony in Ugunja Constituency on Saturday.
He further stated: “We have a Central Committee meeting on Tuesday where leaders shall share their opinions. From there, we shall have the party’s stand.”
“The media has been reporting that I support the statements of Senator Sifuna. All I said was that everyone, including Sifuna, has a right within the party to express their opinion. That does not mean I support them. Instead of misreporting, just come and seek clarification,” thundered the leader of the Azimio coalition party.
Other elected leaders continued their onslaught against Mr Sifuna over his constant attacks on the government, saying that the ODM party is in government.
National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chairman Samuel Atandi castigated the ODM Secretary-General, saying nothing would stop the friendship between ODM and Kenya Kwanza.
Mr Atandi spoke at Matera Comprehensive School, where he opened classrooms constructed by the Alego Usonga National Government Constituency Development Fund.
“I want to state without fear of contradiction that our friendship as the ODM party and the Kenya Kwanza government will not end any time soon. The friendship is unstoppable,” said the Alego Usonga lawmaker.
He further stated: “It doesn’t matter whether you are an activist or a Nairobi Senator—that is your business. Our friendship is here to stay. As leaders from this region, we have brains and are educated, and we understand where the country is headed.”
The Budget Committee boss also castigated Senator Sifuna over what he termed as constant lectures on why the Orange party is working with the Kenya Kwanza government.
“When we have decided to work with President William Ruto, we don’t want you to come and lecture us on the people we made,” said the lawmaker.
Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga also cautioned Sifuna, saying he should borrow a lesson from former ODM Secretary-General Ababu Namwamba.
“If someone thinks he is too popular, let him consult Ababu Namwamba, who was once in the same position, for some lessons,” said Dr Oginga.
He added: “The current government is called a broad-based government simply because the ODM party is part of it.”
