Raila: Why Sifuna is right, speaks for ODM

The criticism came just days after Mr Odinga defended the broad-based government and ODM working with President Ruto’s United Democratic Movement (UDA).

During a function attended by Mr Sifuna in Kakamega yesterday, Mr Odinga said the Orange Democratic Movement would review the deal, and that it will be up to Mr Sifuna to declare the final stand “which should then be respected by all."

“As the ODM spokesman, Sifuna has the right to speak. If you differ with him, give your opinion. That is democracy,” Mr Odinga told ODM delegates. 

“If I make a mistake, tell me. If ODM feels I am tired and should go to Bondo, party members will tell me. We must nurture and defend democracy in the party.”

Mr Odinga maintained that ODM remains a democratic party and must tolerate divergent views.

This comes as divisions in the party played out once again, with ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, together with other leaders, criticising Mr Sifuna and insisting the party would continue working with the government. 

Mr Odinga said those who have issues with Mr Sifuna should use the party's internal organs to address them instead of going to the press. 

“There will always be differences of opinion, but we must protect the right of every member to speak. If you differ with Sifuna, don’t use journalists to respond to him. Explore the structures in the party to handle the issue, such as the National Executive Council and the Central Committee,” he said.

Read: Sifuna: Ruto does not deserve a second term

He added that it is in these organs that party leaders meet and give opinions before ODM takes a stand, which is then communicated to the public by Mr Sifuna.

“It is the secretary-general who will address the media on the resolutions made. He is the mouthpiece of ODM. When we have talked and there is a consensus, that should be the party’s stand,” Mr Odinga added.

The ODM boss agreed with Mr Sifuna that the Kenya Kwanza government has failed to implement important parts of the agreement, but differed with him on ending it.

“It was Sifuna who crafted the MoU with UDA. After reading it, I signed the document as it acted as a measure to address the serious issues affecting Kenyans. The biggest concern has been implementing this pact,” Mr Odinga said. 

“For instance, we cannot condone the excessive use of force on protesters by police. They should never use live bullets on protesters or criminals. The duty of police officers is to apprehend criminals and take them to court.”

The ODM leader added that he and President Ruto agreed on compensating protesters injured and the families of those killed – both of which have not happened.

He said failure to implement some of the issues has necessitated a review of the deal.

Dismissed Sifuna’s remarks

“We shall review the agreement, see what has been implemented and what has not, then give the direction to be taken by the party. What we agreed on with the President must be implemented,” he said.

Mr Sifuna defended his right to speak his mind, saying he is executing his role as the party spokesperson. The party secretary-general, however, added that he would not go against Mr Odinga or disrespect him.

“Raila has taught me to be a hardcore politician. That is why I am able to absorb criticism. The owners of the party are the members, not political leaders. Nobody should brag about ownership or being the ODM pioneer apart from Raila,” he said.

“This is my eighth year as ODM secretary-general, and I cannot go against Raila. I can’t be secretary-general if members don’t want me. I will serve until those who told me to be here tell me to back down.”

The Nairobi senator said he is ready for the proposed conclave but wondered “if my critics are ready for the truth”.

“Raila advocates for intergenerational dialogue. We as the young people are prepared for the dialogue. The only problem is that we are not sure if elders will allow us to speak without consequences,” he said.

Leaders from Western Kenya at the event defended Mr Sifuna, saying he has a right to speak his mind.

Read: Your days in ODM are numbered, George Aladwa tells Edwin Sifuna 

“When you blame Senator Sifuna, blame me, because I gave him the go-ahead to say those things on TV. When you say he should go, then I will also leave,” ODM Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi told the gathering. 

“We have not sat and endorsed anyone for president. Raila will give us direction. Those walking around saying kumi bila break (uninterrupted two terms of 10 years for President Ruto) should know that is not the position of ODM.”

He added that the party would field candidates from ward representatives to the president in 2027.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who has been criticising Mr Sifuna, said he did not initially know that the ODM secretary-general had the backing of party members.

“During our days in Kanu, party secretary-general Joseph Kamotho would not say what the party leader, President Daniel arap Moi, was not aware of. When I heard Sifuna speaking on TV, I did not know the thesis of his statements. Now I understand he was right and you are all behind him.”

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said ODM would be in government until 2027, when Mr Odinga gives direction.

In Muhoroni, Kisumu County, Ms Wanga dismissed Mr Sifuna’s remarks as personal.

“As the chairperson of the party, let it be known that we are still part of the agreement with UDA. Only Raila can tell us to walk away,” the Homa Bay county boss said. 

She warned against statements that could destabilise ODM unity.

“If anyone says the MoU is dead, he or she is not speaking on behalf of ODM. We don’t want to go the Wamunyoro way,” she added, in reference to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The economic empowerment event in Muhoroni was hosted by Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and attended by several ODM figures, who echoed Mr Wanga’s stance.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed stressed the need for party discipline and unity.

“We don’t want anarchy in this country. Raila is the overall leader of ODM. No one else has the authority to withdraw from an agreement meant to foster national cohesion,” he said.

The lawmaker acknowledged Mr Sifuna’s concerns but insisted that grievances must be resolved through the party’s established channels.

“This is not the time to abandon dialogue. If you have frustrations, bring them through proper structures. Those opposed to the broad-based consensus are enemies of development,” Ms Wanga said.

Mr Mohamed also criticised Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who has been vocal in opposing borrowing by the government.

“My brother Ndindi has suddenly become wise. I don’t know which school he attended recently to discover that borrowing is bad,” the Suna East MP said.

“Let him read the Constitution. If done prudently, borrowing is necessary for national development.”

Additional reporting by Dominic Ombok and Wycliffe Nyaberi