ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna/HANDOUTODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has reaffirmed the
party’s commitment to the Azimio la Umoja coalition, declaring that Wiper
leader Kalonzo Musyoka remains his leader within the alliance.
Speaking in Kitui, Sifuna dismissed suggestions that ODM had
drifted away from the Azimio coalition.
He praised the partnership between ODM and Wiper, describing
members of the Kalonzo-led party as close allies.
“Kuna watu ambao wamesahau kwamba chama cha ODM na Wiper
tuko bado ndani ya muungano wa Azimio. Mimi namtambua Kalonzo Musyoka kama
kiongozi wangu ndani ya Azimio. Nawatambua hawa ndugu zangu wa Wiper kama ndugu
zangu ndani ya Azimio,” he said.
This loosely translates to, “There are people who have forgotten that ODM and Wiper are still in the
Azimio coalition. I recognise Kalonzo Musyoka as my leader in Azimio. I
recognise my Wiper brothers as my brothers in Azimio.”
His remarks come amid speculation about rifts within the
opposition coalition, with ODM working with the Kenya Kwanza administration,
while other opposition parties criticise the partnership.
The Nairobi Senator, despite being a senior official in ODM, has
also continued to criticise the working agreement with the President William Ruto-led
government.
His criticism has seen members from within call for his
resignation, while others have strongly defended him, insisting that he is only
exercising his democratic rights.
Among them is ODM party leader Raila Odinga, who affirmed
that Sifuna has the right to express his opinion, just like any other member of
the party.
He urged ODM leaders and supporters to embrace open dialogue
and dissent, even if it involves criticism of his leadership.
“If Sifuna has spoken, he has every right to do so. If you
disagree with him, say your piece too,” Raila stated.
He said ODM remains a democratic party.
The former Prime Minister stressed that he has not imposed
any restrictions on speech within the party.
“I have never told anyone in ODM how they should speak. Even
if someone says Baba is old and should go back to Bondo, I have no problem with
that; it is the people who will decide,” he said.
Raila added that while members are free to air their views
publicly, official party positions are decided through established internal
structures.
“Sifuna’s comments, like any other member’s, will be
discussed in our party organs. That is where we respond and build consensus,”
he explained.
