Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna over his latest remarks regarding the occasion and the Kenya Kwanza authorities.
Sifuna, throughout an interview on Citizen TV, continued his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to satisfy its guarantees to the individuals and breaching the 10-point agenda outlined within the working settlement between UDA and ODM.
In response, whereas addressing delegates on the ODM convention in Kakamega County on Friday, July 25, Raila acknowledged that each member of ODM has the best to precise their opinion.
Raila additional acknowledged that ODM is a democratic occasion and should accommodate divergent views inside its ranks.
“Those issues Sifuna stated… If Sifuna has spoken, he has the best to take action. If you disagree together with his opinion, then categorical yours—that’s democracy.
“I’ve by no means stated that you simply shouldn’t converse within the occasion about something. If you see Baba making a mistake, converse up. Tell me, ‘You are previous, Baba, and you need to return house to Bondo.”
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Raila Defends Sifuna, Calls Out ODM Leaders Attacking Him
The former Prime minister criticized leaders who’ve been attacking Sifuna on the media stating that such points must be dealt with internally. He additionally reminded occasion members of the constructions in place to deal with disagreements.
He added, “We should uphold democracy in ODM. As members of the occasion, we’ve many inside organs. If Sifuna speaks, I shouldn’t exit and criticize him within the newspapers.
“We will wait till we meet within the Central Committee or the National Executive Committee. Everyone will converse, after which we’ll give Sifuna course on what to inform the press. He is the official spokesperson of ODM,” Raila acknowledged.
He additional famous that the occasion will convene a gathering as soon as they’ve deliberated and reached a consensus internally, it turns into the binding occasion place.
Raila was talking after Sifuna, who was additionally current on the occasion, declared that he would solely step down as ODM Secretary General if instructed to take action by Raila Odinga.
He asserted that his management is anchored within the belief of those that perceive his journey throughout the occasion.
“There are individuals on this occasion who have no idea the place Sifuna got here from or how he grew to become Secretary General. I cannot hearken to them,” he stated.
“There are individuals who know the trail Sifuna took to this place—together with Raila Odinga. The day they inform me, ‘Sifuna, your conduct is changing into questionable on this occasion,’ I’ll give up the seat with out inflicting chaos.”
Sifuna in his interview sensationally declared the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and UDA occasion null and void.
He overtly admitted that ODM is combating inside contradictions and a scarcity of ideological readability, leaving each members and supporters not sure in regards to the occasion’s stance on crucial nationwide points.
Tensions Rise in ODM as Leaders Clash Over Sifuna’s Remarks
Sifuna’s remarks hinted at deeper tensions brewing inside ODM’s senior management, particularly amid considerations over the occasion’s present technique as its chief Raila Odinga continues to defend the Kenya Kwanza authorities.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed countered Sifuna’s assertion, emphasizing that solely Raila has the authority to make any declarations relating to the occasion’s settlement with the ruling coalition.
“We are in ODM, and we’re within the broad-based authorities. In that authorities, an MoU was signed. The solely one who can declare that MoU lifeless or alive is Baba alone,” Junet acknowledged.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi additionally took situation with Sifuna’s feedback, terming them divisive and urging him to respect the occasion’s management.
“Between the Party Leader and the Secretary General, whose choice is ultimate?” Mbadi posed.
Joining the criticism, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda referred to as for Sifuna’s resignation or expulsion from ODM.
“You can’t dine on the desk of unity by day and sharpen swords of sabotage by night time. That’s political conmanship. If you assume you will have higher concepts than President Ruto, run towards him,” he stated.
