A fresh storm is gaining momentum in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party following the nomination of some of its stalwarts to President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
The new wave of internal wrangles pits those in support of Cabinet nomination and those opposed to the idea of working with the Kenya Kwanza regime.
Speaking on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda indicated that ODM will direct Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to drop his hard stance over working with the Kenya Kwanza government.
In a panel interview at a local TV station, Ojienda indicated that Sifuna’s argument that ODM is not working with the ruling party is against popular party belief.
He thus noted that ODM party officials will call the Nairobi Senator to order and advise him to tear the line.
“I will tell you today that Sifuna will be directed to be quiet and tore the line. I will make sure that he be told that ODM and UDA are working together. Our followers believe that the government delivers and we have an obligation to work for the government,” Ojienda stated.
“Are we witnessing Edwin Sifuna’s political Bermuda triangle? Is he sinking? Is he on his own? Because he seems to be pulling in a different direction from ODM,” he added.
Guns pointed at Sifuna
Sifuna’s stance has also rattled other ODM members who have come out gun blazing. Kileleshwa MCA has castigated the party secretary general who he accused of pushing his personal interests.
“Tell Sifuna that ODM is not his private property. Many realise this late,” Alai wrote on X.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma also threatened to push for the ouster of Sifuna for failing to properly the party’s position.
Tell Sifuna that ODM is not his private property. Many realise this late.
— Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) July 25, 2024
Sometimes you are given a noose you use to hang yourself.
It’s run and managed by the ideas from members and in consultation with them.
He will realise soon realise that he is isolated. He can start…
Raila blessings
Ojienda further insisted that ODM leaders nominated to Cabinet received blessings from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“Mbadi, Joho, Oparanya, and Wandayi cannot be nominated as President Ruto’s CS nominees without the blessings of Raila Odinga,” he insisted.
Ruto nominated ODM chairman John Mbadi to the Ministry of National Treasury and Economic Planning and the Leader of the Minority side in Parliament Opiyo Wandayi to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
ODM Deputy Party Leader and former Mombasa County Governor Hassan Joho has been nominated to the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
Former Kakamega County Governor who is also the ODM Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya has been nominated to the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development.
Sifuna’s argument
Speaking on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Sifuna detailed that the four ODM members nominated to Cabinet had not been recommended to join Ruto’s government and their nominations do not represent the party’s position.
“I expect that before they go for vetting I will receive resignation from their positions in the party. That is my expectation because the law is that they cannot go into cabinet as parties and members of political parties,” Sifuna stated during a show on a local TV station.
He further clarified that ODM has not joined the Kenya Kwanza government.
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