The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General has broken his silence amid escalating tensions within the party, lamenting over what he labelled as a dictatorship.
While paying a heartfelt tribute to the late Raila Odinga on his 81st birthday on Wednesday, January 7, Sifuna criticised some leaders for allegedly going against the ideals and principles by which Raila lived.
According to Sifuna, Odinga's legacy has allegedly been violated by an emerging culture of impunity, intolerance, dictatorship and a conspiracy of silence in the face of threats to multiparty democracy.
"As the country’s foremost second liberation warrior, Baba was the acknowledged father of multipartyism and the new constitution, which gave birth to devolution," Sifuna wrote.
Sifuna further noted that Odinga's demise in October last year had since created a platform for regression and shrinking of the country's democratic space, against what the deceased once envisaged.
"Multiparty democracy was intended to be a smooth avenue to free expression and choice, in which the ideologies of political parties would remain distinct and independent," he added.
Amidst the escalating political tensions, the ODM principal challenged leaders, particularly those mentored and nurtured by Odinga, to stand firm on principle and to lead a new political renaissance.
Just like Raila, Sifuna challenged leaders to stand with the oppressed, speak truth to power and uphold the Constitution, which affirms the sovereignty of the people, celebrates our diversity and commits to the rights of Kenyans.
"We do not have the luxury of rest, nor do we possess any fear in pursuit of Raila’s ideals. Raila Odinga was consistent in standing with the oppressed, speaking truth to power," Sifuna affirmed.
Sifuna's comments come on the back of heated political exchanges marred by accusations and counteraccusations within the ODM party, which have resulted in division among members.
In particular, the recent political spat between Sifuna and the Minority Leader of the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, in which the ODM Secretary General accused Junet of mismanaging party funds during the 2022 General Election, has further widened the cracks.
According to political experts, the latest rifts within the party have been occasioned by the lack of proper political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
