Kisii Governor Simba Arati has come out in defense of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, asserting that the Nairobi Senator’s vocal criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government reflects the official position of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Sifuna has found himself at the center of controversy, facing verbal attacks from some ODM politicians who accuse him of misrepresenting the party’s stance, particularly due to his vocal criticism of President William Ruto’s government. Sifuna has openly condemned the alleged abductions and extrajudicial killings occurring under the current administration. This has sparked a divide within ODM, with some members who serve in the Kenya Kwanza government accusing him of being too aggressive in his opposition.
At a funeral in Ekerenyo, Nyamira County, Governor Arati firmly stood by Sifuna. “There are people insulting Edwin Sifuna, but I want to say that as the Secretary General of ODM, Sifuna is the spokesperson of the party,” Arati declared. He emphasized that when Sifuna speaks, it is a reflection of ODM’s official position, reinforcing the idea that the party’s stance on critical issues is aligned with the Secretary General’s comments.
Arati, who also serves as ODM’s deputy party leader, acknowledged that although the party has contributed experts to President Ruto’s administration, ODM is not part of the Kenya Kwanza government. “Let me speak as the deputy party leader of ODM. We provided experts to the government, but we are not part of it,” Arati clarified. He further asserted that while ODM has maintained a cordial relationship with the president, it remains independent of the ruling coalition.
The internal friction within ODM has become more pronounced in recent days. Sifuna has urged party officials who align with President Ruto to either resign or join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), accusing them of betraying ODM’s values. He expressed frustration with what he described as party officials “becoming Ruto’s mouthpiece,” supporting policies that he believes harm ordinary Kenyans.
In contrast, ODM’s national chairperson, Gladys Wanga, has called for restraint within the party. Wanga warned against attacking those within the government, stating that the party is strategically engaging with Ruto’s administration while looking ahead to the 2027 elections, whether independently or as part of a coalition. “Don’t fight our people in government. You cannot burn a house while trying to protect your children,” she cautioned.
This ongoing internal conflict within ODM highlights the party’s complex position as it navigates the political landscape, balancing its critical stance against the Kenya Kwanza government with strategic political alliances.
