Simba Arati Encourages Sifuna to Stay Hard, Says ODM May Have a Presidential Candidate: “Stand Firm”

• Governor Simba Arati urged ODM members to remain united following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga
• Arati urged Sifuna to remain strong despite the tension within and outside the party regarding his future
• He also confirmed that ODM will form a government in 2027 or be part of the next administration

Kisii Governor Simba Arati has called for unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as the party celebrates its 20th anniversary in Mombasa.

Speaking during a memorial service on Thursday, November 13, Arati spoke of growing concerns about internal divisions and the future of the party following the recent death of an ODM leader. Raila Odinga.

Will the ODM party decline?

Arati acknowledged the great sadness that befell the party, noting that the emotional suffering of losing its founding leader can last for a long time.

He urged ODM leaders and members to remain steadfast, committed to the party’s values, and warned against complacency and internal sabotage.

Also read

Oburu Oginga is sworn in after being confirmed as the leader of the ODM party

“What if our party dies before 2027 or 2032? Shall we start from scratch? No!” Arathi said. “There is uncertainty because of the death of our party leader. But I want to repeat: we will be the last people to destroy the trust you gave us.”

Arati also affirmed ODM’s strength and reach, stressing that the party remains a major political force in the country.

He challenged those sowing division within the ranks, saying they must be defeated to preserve the legacy of the party.

“If you are the one playing with the party, we must crush you,” he warned.

Can ODM decide to have a presidential candidate?

Additionally, the ODM deputy leader called for strategic expansion and encouraged leaders to grow the party’s influence beyond traditional strongholds.

In a direct message to the secretary general of ODM Edwin SifunaArati urged him to stand firm in his leadership.

“My brother SG, stand firm. I believe that even from inside this room, we can remove the president,” he said, hinting at the possibility of ODM nominating a presidential candidate in the next election cycle.

The county boss emphasized the need for collective responsibility and solidarity, declaring that no one should leave the party.

“No one will leave the party. We will walk closely together; if anyone stumbles, we will help him get up and continue the journey,” he said.

Also read

ODM At 20: A Woman Tells How She Handed Raila The Orange Party For Free

Arati further emphasized the party’s narrative of forming a government or joining like-minded coalitions to form the next administration in 2027.

When will ODM have a presidential candidate?

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance John Mbadi he explained that Raila is the only suitable presidential candidate for ODM, and his death left a huge leadership gap.

He insisted that no one within the party can contest for the presidency in 2027 or command a national appeal like Raila did in the past.

Mbadi said that ODM should reform and start the process of nurturing a new leader, which will take time. According to Mbadi, ODM’s real chance to produce a presidential candidate is in the 2032 election.

Read ENGLISH VERSION

Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.

Source: TUKO.co.ke