- Senator Ledama Olekina ignored the claims of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to break up before the 2027 General Election
- He has issued a stern warning to ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino
- Olekina explained why Sifuna and Babu have become good friends with Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua
Nairobi – Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has responded to the ongoing division in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Source: Facebook
In his Twitter message on Monday, January 26, Ledama denied media reports that the Orange party may split before the 2027 General Election.
Is the ODM party divided?
He warned the ODM secretary Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino against thinking that Nairobi politics can affect the direction of the party.
According to the Narok senator, the ongoing conflicts in the party are driven by politicians trying to survive the death of the late former prime minister. Raila Odinga.
“The media is completely wrong: ODM is not divided! It is a condition of survival. That is why my friends are pushing back hard. Nairobi politics do not control the future of ODM. Sifuna and Babu understand,” Ledama said.
He suggested that Sifuna and Babu may be leaning towards the United Opposition because of the dynamics of city politics.
According to Olekina, the two vocal ODM leaders won their seats because the city’s electorate is largely international and liberal, with the Kamba and Kikuyu communities making up the bulk of the electorate.
“They defeated the voters of the city who are international and liberal. Since the Kamba and Kikuyu are the majority in the city, they want leaders who speak their real language, the one from their kings,” he said.
Can Kalonzo influence Nairobi county politics?
Olekina highlighted the former influence of the leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front, Kalonzo Musyokaas the leader of the Wakamba, predicting the importance of the community in the 2027 elections.
He stressed the need for politicians seeking seats in the city to balance ethnic issues with national appeal ahead of the next election.
Olekina also noted the growing status of the former vice president Rigathi Gachagua and the ability to mobilize voters through tribal narratives, advising Sifuna and Babu Owino to adjust their strategies accordingly.
“Kalonzo’s influence as a Kamba leader was great in the last elections and of course in 2027 as well. Any smart politician must be seen doing that. Riggy G sees himself as a powerful man. His tribal narrative can convince many to listen. Sifuna and Babu must play smart! I feel them,” he explained.
In 2022, he got 716,651 votes, beating his main rival, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of the United Democratic Union (UDA), who got 524,091 votes.
Source: Facebook
Will Gachagua support Edwin Sifuna in 2027?
As previously reported, the leader of the Democratic Party for the People (DCP) hinted at supporting Sifuna in the upcoming 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 3, Gachagua claimed President William Ruto was planning to expel Sifuna and the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East from ODM.
Gachagua offered Sifuna and Babu a place in his DCP party if they were expelled from ODM. He praised Sifuna’s performance as Nairobi Senator and said he would be happy to give him the DCP ticket to defend his seat.
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