ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has reiterated the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) commitment to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, emphasising that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka remains his leader within the alliance.
Speaking in Kitui, the Nairobi Senator dismissed growing speculation that ODM had distanced itself from Azimio, following recent cooperation between the party and President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
“There are people who have forgotten that ODM and Wiper are still in the Azimio coalition,” Sifuna stated. “I recognise Kalonzo Musyoka as my leader in Azimio, and my Wiper brothers as my brothers within the coalition.”
His remarks come amid reports of internal rifts in the opposition, with some Azimio parties openly criticising ODM’s engagement with the government, while others insist the coalition remains intact.
Sifuna himself has been a vocal critic of ODM’s working arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza government. This stance has drawn mixed reactions within the party — some members have called for his resignation, while others have defended his right to speak his mind.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has publicly supported Sifuna’s right to express his views, stressing that the party values internal democracy.
“If Sifuna has spoken, he has every right to do so. If you disagree with him, say your piece too,” Raila said, adding that he has never restricted anyone in ODM from speaking their mind — even if the criticism is directed at him.
The former Prime Minister noted that while members can freely air their opinions, official party positions are formulated through ODM’s internal decision-making organs.
“Sifuna’s comments, like those of any other member, will be discussed in our party organs. That is where we respond and build consensus,” Raila explained.
Sifuna’s declaration in Kitui appears aimed at quelling doubts about ODM’s unity with its coalition partners, particularly Wiper, as political realignments and coalition tensions continue to dominate Kenya’s political scene.
His statement also signals a renewed effort to preserve Azimio’s cohesion ahead of future political contests, even as debates on opposition strategy and engagement with the government persist.
