Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang has come to the defence of
Siaya governor James Orengo and Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, saying leaders
should be allowed to express divergent views.
Kajwang highlighted that Kenya is a democracy, and everyone
should be allowed to express themselves.
“Let us allow different and divergent voices since there is
nothing wrong with that because it is part of a democratic culture,” he added.
Speaking to NTV, Kajwang said ODM does not subscribe to
sycophancy, but stands for loyalty and patriotism to the nation
“As much as we are in the broad-based government, if things
are not working right, we will speak out. If there are abductions and that is
contrary to the Constitution, I will speak out. If the health system is not
working, we will speak out, but we will do so with respect and in a manner that
does not disintegrate the country,” he explained.
Kajwang added that he would not join leaders who are calling out Orengo and Sifuna “for saying certain truths".
“We cannot be a praise and worship choir. Those are not the
values that ODM stands for,” he added.
Orengo and Sifuna have been hitting out at a section of ODM
leaders, accusing them of being tone-deaf to the needs of Kenyans after the
party entered into a pact with Kenya Kwanza.
The two have found themselves on the receiving end for
challenging the political bromance between Raila and Ruto.
Defending Orengo and Sifuna, Kajwang said dissenting
voices in the broad-based government should not be condemned.
Kajwang further noted that ODM is still a distinct party and will
field a presidential candidate in 2027.
“We are conscious that elections are two years away, but the
challenges that face the country require all of us to work together, and this is
the reason we got into the broad-based government,” he stated.
He noted that Raila partnered with Ruto to stabilise the
economy and deal with the unrest witnessed in mid-2024.
“One thing must be made clear: that to build a political movement of the stature and nature of ODM is no easy task, and therefore ODM shall remain and will be on the ballot in 2027.”
