Sifuna, Orengo Lash Out at ODM Leaders Over Support for Ruto

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo have hit out at a section of ODM leaders, accusing them of being tone-deaf to the needs of Kenyans in the wake of closing ranks with President William Ruto.

While speaking during the burial of former Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chair Roseline Odede, the two leaders reprimanded members of ODM for being sycophants, urging them to call out Ruto on injustices that are going on in the country.

Sifuna, on his part, emphasised the need for the leaders of the Orange Party to remember their responsibility to Kenyans despite their increased access to power.

“We must stop being sycophants. If something is wrong, it is wrong. I will not participate in the activities of my fellow ODM members who are enjoying the fruits of being in Ruto’s government and are stifling my efforts to call out the government,” Sifuna asserted.

In his fiery address, Sifuna mentioned that the party leader Raila Odinga bestowed him with the responsibility of keeping the affairs and leaders of ODM in check when he decided to run for the African Union Chairmanship. 

“When you (Raila) decided to run for the AUC, you told me as the Secretary General of ODM that we must retain the identity of our political party as a beacon of hope for Kenyans. This is what I aspire to do whether you succeed or not,” Sifuna asserted.

Despite Raila’s instructions, Sifuna intimated that some leaders within the popular political outfit were out to undermine efforts by Sifuna to uphold the issued guidelines. 

“Baba, there are people who are telling me that when we see leaders like (Rueben) Kiborek say that if Ruto’s votes in 2027 are not enough they will fill them, I should keep quiet because it will harm your AUC chances,” he noted.

“They are also saying that when we see the injustices being committed by the government, such as abductions, we should keep quiet because it will dent your AUC chances,” he added. 

The leader’s tirade did not end there, further hitting out at the government over the delayed disbursement of capitation meant for public schools two weeks after opening. Sifuna, who was speaking in front of Raila, pledged to be at the forefront of holding the government accountable for its actions and promises.

Sifuna’s comments were echoed by senior ODM figurehead James Orengo, who warned against too much sycophancy. 

“We (ODM) have an identity. If you lose that identity for easy victories, we are going to pay for it in the future. If you must make compromises, you must make compromises on matters of principle. Do not be part of praise and worship. When there is too much sycophancy, people lose sight of their fundamentals,” Orenga affirmed.

The comments of the two leaders seemingly exposed a divide within ODM over which side to pick in the wake of Raila and Ruto joining hands to form a broad-based government. The ‘handshake’ led to leaders allied to Odinga, the leader of the opposition, joining Ruto’s cabinet.

However, it now seems that the political partnership between the two leaders put members of ODM at odds over their political affiliations, with members caught between a rock and a hard place on who to support.