Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga has stirred the political pot with a provocative comment suggesting that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) might be preparing to politically isolate or punish Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for his outspoken criticism of the party’s recent political dealings.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Omanga remarked, “They could be fattening the erudite Edwin Sifuna for slaughter,” implying that despite ODM leader Raila Odinga’s public defense, the party could be plotting behind the scenes to clip Sifuna’s political wings.
The comment follows days of political tension triggered by Sifuna’s dismissal of the March Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA as “dead.” Speaking in a recent TV interview, Sifuna decried continued police brutality notably the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in custody on June 8 as evidence the pact had failed to uphold its core pillars: protection of life and preservation of democracy.
“On the day Albert Ojwang dies in a police cell, for me, this agreement is dead,” said Sifuna, adding, “I am not a mortician,” when asked whether he would join a team to review the agreement.
Raila Odinga, speaking in Kakamega on Friday, defended Sifuna’s right to speak freely, saying ODM remains a democratic party. “If Sifuna has spoken, he has every right to do so. If you disagree with him, say your piece too,” Raila said, adding that dissent is part of internal democracy.
However, Raila clarified that while members can express personal opinions publicly, official party positions are decided through internal organs. “Sifuna’s comments, like any other member’s, will be discussed in our party organs,” he said.
As ODM grapples with internal debates over its alliance with the ruling coalition, questions linger over whether Sifuna’s boldness will elevate or endanger his standing within the party especially as calls for accountability and change continue to rise.
