Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli has made a surprise admission that he had initially planned to confront Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for opposing ODM’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) with President William Ruto’s UDA party but changed his mind after witnessing Sifuna’s immense grassroots support.
Speaking at an ODM delegates’ meeting in Kakamega on Friday, Atwoli confessed he had been taken aback by Sifuna’s recent dismissal of the ODM-UDA MoU as “dead.” Atwoli revealed he was ready to raise the issue with ODM leader Raila Odinga but was swayed by the overwhelming cheers Sifuna received during the meeting.
“Sasa sikilizeni, hata mimi sikujua mko namna hii,” Atwoli said, expressing surprise at the delegates’ support for Sifuna. “Baada ya kumsikiliza Sifuna kwa TV, nikasema ‘why is this young man contradicting the party leader?’ Kumbe sikujua ni nyinyi mko nyuma ya Sifuna. Leo ndio nimejua.”
Sifuna, who also serves as ODM Secretary General, has in recent weeks been vocal in criticizing the MoU, citing unmet commitments chief among them, ending police brutality. Speaking on Citizen TV earlier in the week, he said he had opted out of MoU review discussions, declaring the pact “dead” following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’ in police custody.
“I have already declared this MoU dead. I’m not a mortician,” Sifuna stated, questioning the relevance of reviewing a document he believes has failed its core promise.
While some within the party, including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, accused Sifuna of overstepping, Raila Odinga defended him, emphasizing the party’s openness to dissent. “If Sifuna has spoken, he has every right to do so,” Raila said, signaling support for internal dialogue.
The Kakamega event has marked a shift in Atwoli’s tone, revealing the growing influence of grassroots sentiment within ODM. It also highlights the rising political weight of Sifuna, who reaffirmed his loyalty to Raila, saying: “Baba alinichukua nikiwa 35 years. Nitakuwa nakosea kama sitamheshimu.”
The moment underscores internal ODM tensions as the party grapples with balancing unity, principle, and public accountability.
