Sifuna Dismisses Claims of Leaving ODM Amid Rising Internal Party Tensions
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that he is planning to resign from his position as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General or leave the party altogether, even as political tensions continue to grow within the opposition outfit.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Sifuna addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his political future, making it clear that he remains fully committed to ODM.
The senator rejected claims that he was considering joining the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), a political outfit linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to Sifuna, such reports are unfounded and intended to create unnecessary confusion within the party and among its supporters.
Sifuna emphasized that his membership in ODM is secure, noting that no individual has the authority to remove him from the party.
He explained that holding an official position within the party is separate from being an ordinary member, stressing that even if leadership changes were to occur, his loyalty to ODM would remain unchanged.
He added that the only legitimate way he could cease serving as Secretary General would be through a properly convened delegates’ conference, which he believes is necessary to address the current disagreements affecting the party.
The Nairobi Senator also spoke about the ongoing debate within ODM regarding cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He clarified that the memorandum of understanding signed between ODM and President William Ruto’s party does not amount to a political coalition, nor does it bind ODM to support UDA in the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna argued that ODM must maintain its independence and prepare to present its own presidential candidate in the next election cycle, insisting that the party should remain focused on offering an alternative leadership to Kenyans.
In addition, Sifuna raised concerns about the party’s leadership structure, questioning the legitimacy of the current arrangement. He claimed that Dr. Oburu Odinga was not formally elected as ODM party leader through the required party processes, arguing that a proper delegates’ conference should have been convened to validate such a decision.
According to him, the more appropriate approach would have been to allow one of the deputy party leaders to hold the position temporarily until a lawful and inclusive conference could be organized to give members a chance to decide the way forward.
Addressing rumors linking him to Gachagua’s political camp, Sifuna explained that his recent appearance at a funeral in the Mt Kenya region alongside the former Deputy President had been misinterpreted.
He clarified that his attendance was purely out of respect and solidarity with a grieving colleague and had no political significance or hidden agenda.
The ODM Secretary General also expressed concern over the financing of recent political rallies held under the party’s name. He stated that some of the high-profile Linda Ground rallies currently being associated with ODM are not funded through official party channels.
Sifuna explained that, in his capacity as Secretary General, he can only account for activities and expenditures that are formally approved by the party headquarters.
He went further to allege that there appears to be parallel funding supporting certain events branded as ODM functions, despite not being sanctioned by the party’s official leadership structures.
According to Sifuna, this raises important questions about accountability and transparency within the party, adding that those responsible for organizing and financing such events should clarify the source of the resources being used.
His remarks come at a time when internal disagreements within ODM continue to attract public attention, with party leaders expressing differing views on strategy, leadership, and the party’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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