ODM party leader Raila Odinga has come out swinging in defense of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna amid internal tremors sparked by Sifuna’s fierce criticism of the party’s recent political alignment with President Ruto’s UDA.
Speaking at the ODM delegates’ conference in Kakamega County, Raila said Sifuna was within his rights to express his opinion, noting that ODM supports the principle of free expression.
“We have to protect the rights of people to speak. If Sifuna has spoken, he has a right to speak. Let him speak,” Raila said. “If you have a different opinion, say yours. That is the essence of democracy.”
The ODM leader added that party decisions, including calls for the resignation of party members, are made collectively in internal meetings, such as the Central Committee and the National Executive Council (NEC), not through public exchanges.
Sifuna recently criticized the March 7, 2025, pact between Raila and President William Ruto, stating it followed internal consultations but expressing concern over the government’s actions.
His comments sparked mixed reactions within the party, including calls from some Luo-Nyanza leaders for his resignation.
Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala, also speaking at the Kakamega event, urged the party to protect Sifuna and cautioned against tribal politics.
“ODM is not a party for Luos; it is a party for all Kenyans,” Wanjala said. “If people start leaving based on tribal lines, what will become of ODM?”
Wanjala called on Raila to address leaders from the region directly and emphasized the importance of nurturing new leaders like Sifuna.
“We want you to protect Sifuna from our brothers. He is not against the party; he is trying to bring it back on track,” he said.
No official disciplinary action has been taken against Sifuna, and the party has yet to issue a formal statement on the internal debate.
Raila defends Sifuna’s right of expression after scathing remarks about govt
