NAIROBI, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has come to the defense of its Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, following his criticism of party members who have aligned themselves with President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
Sifuna has, in recent days, rebuked a section of ODM leaders, accusing them of betraying the party’s founding principles.
Speaking on January 26, he lashed out at those who have abandoned ODM’s mission of advocating for Kenyans, particularly those who now claim they were not meant to remain in the opposition.
“There are people in my party, ODM, who have forgotten where we came from. They have forgotten what the ODM party stands for and some are saying they are tired of fighting for Kenyans,” Sifuna said. “If you are tired, just leave the party.”
His remarks triggered criticism from some allies of President Ruto, who argued that if Sifuna was dissatisfied with ODM’s direction, he should consider leaving instead.
However, ODM has firmly backed its secretary-general, dismissing suggestions that his position in the party is on shaky ground.
ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, speaking in an interview on Monday, asserted that Sifuna’s statements reflect the party’s official stance.
He also dismissed claims that Sifuna’s tenure might be nearing its end.
“I don’t know what you mean by borrowed time because all of us live on borrowed time in this world,” Ong’wen said. “But if it’s about his position as Secretary-General, I can only say he has conducted himself with diligence in articulating the party’s position.”
“Secretary Gen. @edwinsifuna speaks the position of the party”… @ongwen Executive Director.
The tension within ODM follows President Ruto’s strategic incorporation of several opposition figures into his government, a move seen as an attempt to quell political unrest fueled by the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, which he later withdrew.
Sifuna has remained steadfast in his opposition role, reiterating that ODM leaders have a duty to hold the government accountable.
During the burial of former Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Roseline Odede on January 18, he emphasized the need for the opposition to continue speaking truth to power.
He further affirmed that he had the backing of ODM party leader Raila Odinga, who is vying for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
Sifuna vowed to preserve ODM’s identity as a party that champions the rights of Kenyans.
“ODM is a party that will stand for what’s right, come rain or shine. That’s the instruction you gave me,” he said. “As you go to AU, whether you get it or not, I will return the party to you in the same form you left it.”
Sifuna also maintained that he would not be intimidated into silence. “If things are bad, I will stand and say things are bad,” he asserted.
