KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has defended Secretary General Edwin Sifuna following his recent criticism of the party’s ongoing cooperation with President William Ruto’s UDA government.
Speaking in Kakamega on Friday, Raila dismissed any notion of disciplinary action, saying Sifuna had every right to express his opinion, just like any other member of the party.
“If Sifuna has spoken, he has every right to do so. If you disagree with him, say your piece too,” Raila said, calling for a culture of open dialogue and tolerance of dissent within ODM ranks.
The ODM leader affirmed that the party remains democratic and does not gag internal debate, even when it involves criticism of his leadership.
“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 added.
Raila explained that while members are free to express their personal views publicly, the party’s official position is determined through its 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.”
Broad-Based Deal Under Review
Raila also said the broad-based political arrangement between ODM and UDA remains under review.
He noted that the deal, which was meant to safeguard democracy and protect lives, will be assessed collectively by the party’s leadership in the coming weeks.
“We’ll sit down, assess what has been implemented, and agree on the way forward together,” he stated.
His remarks follow a strong rebuke of the agreement by Sifuna, who recently declared it “dead” during a television interview.
Sifuna pointed to rising police brutality, including the controversial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody on June 8.
“On the day Albert Ojwang dies in a police cell, for me, this agreement is dead,” Sifuna said, adding that the government had failed to uphold one of the deal’s key pillars—protection of life.
Sifuna further rejected an invitation to join a review team for the agreement, saying he was “not a mortician,” and argued that removing President Ruto had become a “national priority.”
