Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has broken her silence to defend Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin #Sifuna, amid growing internal party tensions and allegations that the government owes ODM a staggering Ksh 12 billion in unpaid political party funding.
In a strongly worded statement, Ruth Odinga said recent attacks on Sifuna, especially following his interview on Citizen TV, reflect how quickly political loyalties can shift. She noted that Sifuna merely raised questions many ODM members have long been asking, particularly regarding the source of funding for the widely publicized “Linda Ground” tours, which feature helicopters, large tents, and extensive party branding.
Odinga emphasized that Sifuna, as a signatory to ODM’s bank accounts, is well placed to question the financing of such expensive activities. She observed that Sifuna publicly stated the party itself has not spent any money on the campaigns, yet no clear explanation has been offered on who is footing the bill. “If the answers exist, why not provide them?” she posed, questioning whether governors, MPs, or an unnamed benefactor could be behind the funding – and what their interests might be.
She further argued that the government’s failure to release the constitutionally mandated Ksh 12 billion to ODM is deliberate, aimed at maintaining control over party activities. According to her, direct funding would limit external influence over who speaks at party events and what narratives are allowed, citing incidents where dissenting voices have been shouted down.
On the Memorandum of Understanding between President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Ruth Odinga said declaring it “dead” is not treasonous if it has not been honored and is nearing expiry. She warned party members against blind loyalty, questioning whether unfulfilled agreements can be trusted going forward.
Ruth concluded by stating that responsibility for implementing the MoU rests squarely with President Ruto, noting that the coming weeks – up to March 7 – will be decisive. #RuthOdinga