Sifuna rules out resignation, says he still believes in ODM’s revival
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has said he will not resign from his position despite openly disagreeing with the party’s ongoing cooperation with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, July 22, 2024, Sifuna said that although he has concerns about the party’s direction, especially its ties with the government, he still believes in the core values of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and its leadership under Raila Odinga.
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“The reason I will not resign yet is because I have not given up yet, I have not given up on members of the ODM,” Sifuna said.
Adding;
“There is still belief and trust within the ranks of the party that Baba knows what is right for the people and that he will do the right thing. On the day that I give up, I will tell you, I will say it publicly that I have lost the battle to rescue this party and to bring it back to where it was.”
Sifuna, who has been increasingly vocal about the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election, said he is concerned that ODM’s collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza administration could confuse supporters and weaken the party’s ability to stand as a strong opposition force.
“There is a lot of confusion,” he admitted.
Adding;
“I have told my party leader that there was a time when it was very easy to be the SG of ODM. What we agreed is that you can compromise on tactics, but you can never compromise on your values.”
He also issued a public apology to ODM members over the current state of uncertainty in the party, acknowledging that leadership decisions have not been clear.
“I want to apologise to members of ODM for all the confusion we as a leadership have caused because it is very difficult right now to discern the position of ODM on major issues,” he said.
Sifuna’s comments come at a time when cracks have been growing within ODM over its relationship with the ruling coalition. While some members support the continued cooperation with President Ruto’s administration, others feel that the move is straining the party’s image and undermining its role as the official opposition.
