ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Nairobi County Chapter Chairperson George Aladwa on Wednesday, February 19, differed on the party and leader Raila Odinga's position in the alleged plot to impeach embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko.
Aladwa had earlier put out a statement to address allegations making rounds that the party was whipping up numbers to facilitate Sonko's ouster.
"I have been directed by the party leader Raila Odinga to advise the honourable members that the party is not supporting the move," the statement by Aladwa read in part.
"As such, you are hereby directed not to vote and/or append your signatures on any proposed impeachment unless advised otherwise," he concluded.
Sifuna through a contradicting notice stated that the party had learnt of Aladwa's statement purportedly directing legislators at the county level allied to the ODM party, not to endorse or participate in Sonko's impeachment.
The ODM secretary-general distanced the party and Odinga from the political matters at the county level.
"We wish to make it clear that the party and the party leader do not and will not interfere with the power granted by the people to the members of the county assembly in the exercise of any of their functions including oversight of the executive," the statement by Sifuna read in part.
"We further remind all our members and especially our grassroots officials that official communication on any matter is the responsibility of the secretary-general," he stated.
On December 29, 2019, the Standard reported that ODM had warned party MCAs over plans to oppose Sonko's impeachment.
The publication stated that the party had written to the county assembly minority leader David Mberia alerting him that its Nairobi chapter was observing their conduct at the grassroots with interest.
It the letter, ODM accused its MCAs of pursuing self-interest at the expense of members of the public and welfare of Nairobi and disregard for the party's position.
The letter was signed by Aladwa.
