A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders and Kenya Kwanza officials have come out strongly against ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of misrepresenting the party’s stance on the ongoing bipartisan engagement between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The uproar follows Sifuna’s recent criticism of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that led to the creation of the Broad-Based Government (BBG) framework. His remarks questioning the legitimacy and direction of the MoU have sparked backlash from within the party and beyond.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, a long-time confidant of Raila, was among the first to condemn Sifuna’s statement, branding it “rogue and misleading.” While speaking in Muhoroni, Kisumu County, during a women and youth empowerment forum, Junet stated, “Only Baba (Raila) can speak for ODM at that level. If he hasn’t declared the deal dead, then it is very much alive.”
Junet emphasized that the BBG initiative was central to ensuring equitable distribution of resources, cautioning that abandoning it would invite “chaos and anarchy.”
Backing Junet’s sentiments, Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga affirmed the party’s commitment to the MoU. She asserted that ODM remains fully aligned with Raila’s direction and that development witnessed in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Siaya counties is a result of the partnership.
Wanga reiterated, “There is no single day we have abandoned the MoU. Those saying otherwise are not speaking on behalf of ODM.”
Kenya Kwanza leaders also weighed in. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot questioned Sifuna’s understanding of ODM’s political history, while Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula lauded President Ruto’s developmental outreach in Nyanza.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who was the chief guest at the fundraiser, defended the deal, describing it as a testament to national unity. “President Ruto has chosen to serve all Kenyans equally,” he said, applauding Raila for backing the BBG and putting the country’s interests above political rivalry.
The debate underscores growing internal tensions within ODM over the evolving political alliance.
