The internal strife within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party was laid bare recently when Secretary General Edwin Sifuna lost his composure during a live TV interview.
The outburst occurred as Sifuna addressed the contentious issue of some ODM leaders accepting nominations from President William Ruto to join his proposed Broad-Based Government.
During the interview, Sifuna expressed his shock and disapproval over the inclusion of certain ODM leaders in Ruto’s new cabinet.
He firmly stated that the ODM party, as a collective entity, had not decided to join Ruto’s government.
This decision by some leaders to accept cabinet positions, according to Sifuna, was made without the endorsement of the party.
He emphasized that those who chose to accept Ruto’s nominations did so as individuals, not as representatives of ODM.
Sifuna’s comments highlighted the friction within ODM regarding this issue.
He asserted his awareness of the party’s leadership decisions and rebuked certain MPs for suggesting that he was not representing the party’s stance accurately.
Sifuna made it clear that he stood by his principles and was prepared to face any consequences, including the possibility of being relieved of his duties as Secretary General, for standing with the people.
“I am not afraid of Gen Zs. I am not afraid of Raila, and I am not afraid of Ruto. In fact, the day I start speaking for myself, I should be relieved of my duties,” Sifuna declared, underscoring his commitment to the party’s ideals and the electorate.
The tension reached a boiling point when Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda interjected, questioning Sifuna’s alignment with the party.
Ojienda suggested that Sifuna appeared to be acting independently, causing further confusion and discord within ODM.
“Sifuna seems to be pulling in a different direction because he seems to be speaking a different language from the four leaders.
I wonder if I would be speaking the same language if he were the designated party SG,” Ojienda commented.
Sifuna, visibly angered, cut Ojienda short with a sharp retort: “No, I would not. I am not like you, boss.”
This public confrontation between Sifuna and Ojienda has brought to light the deep-seated divisions within ODM regarding President Ruto’s cabinet nominations.
Sifuna’s vehement opposition to the inclusion of ODM leaders in the cabinet reflects broader concerns about the party’s unity and strategic direction.
The Secretary General’s willingness to risk his position underscores the stakes involved in this internal conflict.
The episode has raised questions about the future of ODM and the potential repercussions of this internal discord.
As the party navigates this turbulent period, the leadership will need to address these divisions and reassess its approach to external political maneuvers.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether ODM can maintain its cohesion and continue to present a unified front in Kenya’s complex political landscape.
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