The acting party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Oburu Odinga, has laid to rest claims of the party’s secretary general, Edwin Sifuna, being kicked out of his post.
In an interview on Tuesday, October 28, Oburu maintained that Sifuna was a crucial member of the party and would remain in his position as the party adjusts following the death of Raila Odinga.
He added that he had already spoken to Sifuna after ascending to the party leadership role and received his assurance of cooperation and partnership.
“Sifuna is the one who read out the resolutions of the party after our meeting. I have spoken to him, and he has no problem,” Oburu noted.
Still, the Siaya Senator acknowledged the fiery side of Sifuna, particularly when criticising the broad-based government that ODM entered into with President William Ruto's UDA party, but maintained that Sifuna had not stepped out of line.
While dismissing calls for his ejection, Oburu said that the party would use in-house measures instead of taking drastic action such as kicking him out.
“As a young person, sometimes he can become restless and go a little overboard, but he is with us, and he will stay with us. There is nothing he has done to warrant us removing him from the party,” he expressed.
If he goes astray, as our child, we may just discipline him a little, but within the party. There is no reason to chase him from the party,” Oburu added.
Oburu’s declaration came after calls from a section of ODM members, particularly from the Luo Nyanza region, called for Sifuna’s ejection, terming him a divisive figure in the party.
The demise of Raila only served to amplify these calls, especially considering that Sifuna had asserted that his criticism of the government came with Raila’s blessing.
Sifuna has been known to speak against Ruto’s government, maintaining that one of Raila’s final wishes was that ODM fronts a candidate in the upcoming 2027 General Election.
On Tuesday, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, a close of ally of Ruto, backed Sifuna's position as ODM SG after Sifuna announced that the party would remain in the broad-based government until 2027.
“Well done, Sifuna, for retracing your steps in atoning your sins and for pledging loyalty to the ODM Party and the broad-based government led by President Ruto this in honour of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” he noted.
Adding: “For now, you are forgiven and your Secretary General position in the ODM Party is secure!!”
