Alego Usonga Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Atandi, retaliated that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is not built on mere rhetoric and noise, but resources.

His statement came just after he attended a Budget & Appropriations Committee meeting to evaluate the financial implications of legislative proposals. 

“I want to tell our people, members of our party who are expressing divergent views about our partnership with Ruto, that political parties are not anchored merely on rhetoric and noise, but resources,” Atandi said.

Although there is no explicit mention of Edwin Sifuna, the timing and Atandi’s role as an ODM MP and Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee provide a foundation for connecting this to broader party dynamics.

“So even if you’re a member of ODM and you hold a leadership position, you should tell us how much contribution you’re making other than making noise,” he asserted.

This statement follows Atandi’s recent dismissal of Edwin Sifuna’s remarks during a TV interview as mere noise.

Atandi insisted that such rants would not deter ODM’s resolve to work with President William Ruto, highlighting a preference for pragmatic collaboration over divisive rhetoric.

Recent discord within ODM indicates a growing divide, with figures like Atandi supporting the working agreement with Ruto’s government while Sifuna’s opposition stance creates tension.

As such, Atandi’s warning could be part of an effort to assert control or push for Sifuna’s alignment or removal. It’s likely that Atandi made this specific remark, leveraging the committee meeting to reinforce his position. The warning reflects a broader intra-party struggle within ODM, where Atandi and others advocate for a pragmatic, resource-focused approach over Sifuna’s rhetorical opposition.