A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders has come out strongly to defend Secretary General Edwin Sifuna following attempts to remove him from office, terming the move illegal and politically motivated.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino dismissed the push to oust Sifuna, arguing that those behind it lack the legitimacy to do so.
“There’s no way that illegal office holders can remove a legal office holder from office,” Babu said. “The only mistake Sifuna or any of us did was to fight for the less privileged, to demand jobs for our youths, and to speak against the high cost of living that is burdening Kenyans.”
Siaya Governor James Orengo also weighed in, calling on President William Ruto to keep off ODM affairs. Orengo accused the Head of State of holding meetings in various regions to deliberate on the party’s internal matters.
“Please President William Ruto, leave ODM alone. You have been convening meetings in several regions to discuss ODM and plan for it. Leave our party alone,” Orengo said. “What you are doing is not what Raila Odinga stood for. Would you still do the same if he was still alive?”
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi echoed the sentiments, declaring unwavering support for Sifuna. “Sifuna is going nowhere. If Sifuna goes, I will also go,” he stated.
On his part, Senator Sifuna maintained that he remains the legitimate Secretary General and will not vacate office. He described the move to remove him as unlawful and contrary to the party’s constitution.
“It is well known that, regardless of the political deals Raila Odinga struck with various regimes, he would never have allowed his beloved party to become a mere extension of State House, where decisions are simply rubber-stamped after receiving instructions from the regime,” Sifuna said.
The standoff signals deepening tensions within ODM as leaders rally around the embattled Secretary General.