- ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna confirmed the continued membership of the party in the Declaration, dismissing claims that the Orange party had left the coalition
- This followed a major leadership change in the Declaration, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka taking Raila Odinga’s vacant seat and being replaced by Junet Mohamed
- Sifuna stressed that the ODM party constitution requires a two-thirds resolution of the NEC to officially withdraw from the coalition
Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Edwin Sifuna has confirmed the continuation of his party’s membership in the Union of Declaration of Unity One-Kenya.
Source: Facebook
This comes after the coalition implemented a major leadership change months after the death of the former prime minister Raila Odinga.
In the changes made in a meeting with the National General Council of the party, led by retired president Uhuru Kenyatta, the leader of Wiper Kalonzo Musyoka he went up to Raila’s vacant seat.
Another important change is the removal of Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed, who was replaced by his Suba North colleague Caroli Omondi as the new general secretary of Azimio.
Veteran politician Philip Kisia also took over as CEO, filling the vacancy left by the former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tujuwho resigned before the meeting.
Junet has been openly collaborating with the United Democratic Union (UDA) and has been part of a group within ODM advocating continued cooperation with the UDA under the government’s comprehensive plan.
His successor, Caroli, has defended the independence of ODM, asking that the party continue to have influence and establishment principles.
Is ODM still there Azimio?
Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer on Tuesday, January 3, Sifuna welcomed the change in Azimio as coming at the right time and deserves the approval of the party.
The MP, who has recently clashed with Junet and other ODM leaders over the direction of the party, insisted that ODM was still Azimio.
He dismissed any claims that the Orange party left the coalition, saying that only Martha Karua and her party legally left the coalition.
“As far as I remember, ODM is still a member of Azimio. I remember the party that was previously associated with Martha Karua. I think they were the only ones who officially left. PAA, yes, they left right after the election. But if I remember the signing ceremony of the union, there were more than 26 of us signing those documents. And so, I don’t know what you mean by many have left. Because the majority of those who left are 26, the five who left are 26,” Sifuna said.
He also referred to the constitution of the ODM party, noting that formal withdrawal from the coalition requires a two-thirds resolution of the party’s National Central Committee, followed by communication to the Registrar of Political Parties.
“That has not happened. So as far as I know, ODM had representation in the council. I think the former governor Oparanya, who, of course, because of his appointment in the Cabinet, could not hold positions in the political party. Mr. Junet Mohammed, I saw in your newspaper that he was informed, he knew about this special meeting. Those are the people who were representing Azimio. So for me, I know that we are still members of that union,” Sifuna added.
How did Azimio Union support Raila?
Sifuna also used the opportunity to congratulate those who were given various leadership positions in the coalition party which was Raila’s political body in the 2022 General Election.
He admitted that the union had been quiet in recent months, reaffirming the Orange party’s support for the union.
“I congratulate the union, because it has been a little calm on that side, I congratulate the new office holders and wish them all the best. And they can count on the support of the ODM party for as long as we continue to be members of the Azimio union,” Sifuna said.
Source: Facebook
The Nairobi senator used the opportunity to thank the coalition partners for taking time before proceeding with Raila’s position.
In an apparent inquiry into activities in ODM, Sifuna said at least Azimio respected Raila, unlike ODM, where he was replaced by his brother, Siaya senator Oburu Oginga.
“I want to thank you for at least giving us time, as ODM members, to mourn our deceased leader. That many things we have seen in our party, they did not do the same after the death of Raila Odinga, that they gave us time to be able to mourn our party leader.
How will ODM find itself in the opposition?
Earlier, the secretary general of ODM indicated that the party may find itself in opposition after the 2027 General Election as the division is increasing over support for a broad government.
Since ODM and UDA signed a partnership agreement early in 2025, some members openly supported the re-election of President William Ruto, saying the party was tired of long-term opposition politics.
Sifuna insisted that ODM should present its presidential candidate, warning that joining forces with Ruto would weaken the party in the elections.
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
