Nairobi County Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken aim at State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed over the alleged summoning of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members to State House. This confrontation follows a controversial statement made by Hussein Mohamed, disputing a report that claimed ODM leader Raila Odinga had declined a meeting with President William Ruto.
The dispute began when Mohamed termed the published report as “misleading and irresponsible,” arguing that the information should have been verified through formal channels. He denied any such meeting was planned, adding that the reporting lacked credibility and factual basis.
However, Sifuna, speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday, challenged Mohamed’s version of events, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and attempting to manipulate the narrative. According to Sifuna, there is clear evidence that ODM members were indeed invited to State House. “The people at State House like Hussein Mohamed who was trying to be clever yesterday, he is lying. State House called members of ODM to go to State House. He knows it, the invitations are here,” Sifuna stated emphatically.
Sifuna, known for his fiery rhetoric and unyielding stance on opposition matters, did not mince words as he called out Mohamed publicly. He recalled their past interactions, hinting at a history of confrontations and underscoring his refusal to be intimidated. “We want to call out people like Hussein Mohamed. You and I have known each other for a long time. I am not that young man you were harassing on Citizen so don’t tell lies,” Sifuna declared.
The Senator’s main contention lies with the manner in which the alleged invitations were extended. He questioned the legality and the channels used by members of the government, asserting that summoning ODM members to State House was not constitutionally sanctioned. “You cannot be summoning me to State House as who? You do not have those powers constitutionally,” Sifuna argued, raising concerns about the perceived misuse of authority by State House operatives.
Sifuna’s argument touches on a broader concern regarding the conduct of political interactions in Kenya. According to the Senator, any engagement between State House and opposition parties like ODM should adhere strictly to the provisions of the Political Parties Act. He contended that there is no legal framework that allows a head of state or a ruling party to summon opposition members without proper procedural channels. “As far as the political parties act is concerned, my party leader cannot summon members of Ruto’s party to come to Capital Hill, under which powers?” he questioned.
The controversy comes amid ongoing speculation about the nature of the relationship between ODM and the ruling government. Rumours have circulated suggesting a potential partnership or collaboration, particularly following President Ruto’s appointment of several prominent ODM members, including Opiyo Wandayi, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Hassan Joho, to key government positions. However, Sifuna was quick to dispel these rumours, reaffirming ODM’s position as a staunch opposition party.
He emphasized that the appointments do not reflect the party’s political stance or an alignment with the current government. “The ODM party remains in the opposition and has no partnership with the government as has been rumoured by certain political leaders,” Sifuna maintained. He reiterated that the party’s primary role is to provide oversight and hold the government accountable, regardless of any individual appointments made by President Ruto.
Sifuna’s remarks reflect the ongoing tension and distrust between the opposition and the government, highlighting the complexities of political engagement in Kenya. As the debate over the alleged summons continues, the issue underscores the need for clear, transparent communication and adherence to legal frameworks governing political interactions.
