- Kisumu women’s representative, Ruth Odinga, defended Edwin Sifuna amid major divisions in ODM party politics
- He raised concerns about funding sources for ODM’s ‘Linda Ground’ meetings and political collaboration with the Kenyan government Kwanza
- Ruth questioned the government’s commitment to the pre-election coalition agreement amid rising tensions
Nairobi – Divisions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have increased following the recent remarks of the Kisumu women’s representative, Ruth Odinga.
Source: Facebook
In a scathing statement on Thursday, February 5, Ruth strongly defended the Secretary General’s remarks Edwin Sifuna regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by President William Ruto and the late former prime minister, Raila Odinga.
How did Ruth Odinga defend Edwin Sifuna?
He questioned why Sifuna is being attacked by allegedly hired bloggers for pointing out issues recorded in the Memorandum of Understanding.
“But it’s the attacks following his recent interview on Citizen TV that made me wonder how quickly political allegiances can change. He’s questioning the things we’ve been questioning despite online attacks from (hired?) bloggers,” Ruth said.
A female representative from Kisumu questioned the source of funds used in the ongoing ‘Linda Ground’ meetings led by party leader Oburu Oginga.
Ruth wondered why Sifuna was being harassed for publicly admitting that the ODM party had not used its money to hire a chopper, tents and branded t-shirts for recent rallies.
“As an ODM account signatory, if he asks where all the money for the chopper, big tents and ODM branded t-shirts and hats at the ‘Linda Ground’ rallies come from, why should anyone abuse him? He admitted on national TV that the ODM party has not spent any currency on the campaign, which runs into millions of shillings. Those who have answers, why can’t you give them? Are the governors funding the campaign? Are the MPs doing it from the CDF cat? Did we find a sponsor that the SG of the Party does not know who sponsors public meetings that seem expensive? And what’s in it for a ‘sponsor’?” he asked.
Who is sponsoring Oburu Oginga’s meetings?
Ruth, the sister of the late former prime minister, claimed the government of Kenya First can sponsor ODM events.
According to the defending member of parliament, leaders who oppose the government were not invited, while those who were invited were scolded.
He further warned Oburu that Ruto may not honor the pre-election coalition agreement being negotiated, given that the government is yet to implement the MoU signed in 2025.
Source: Facebook
“If the MoU has not been honored, with less than 30 days to go, what is ‘treason’ if Sifuna publicly declares that it is “dead”? And to the ‘Tutam’ choirs in ODM, if President Ruto will not honor the agreement he signed with the man he said helped him strengthen the ship called Kenya that was sinking following the Gen-Z protests, how sure are you that he will honor the pre-election agreement you all are talking about? Will he use a different signature?” he asked.
Is Edwin Sifuna worried about being expelled from ODM?
At the same time, Sifuna announced that he has no intention of leaving the party despite differences with senior party officials regarding the 2027 election.
During the interview on Citizen TVthe Nairobi senator said he was not worried about plans to remove him from the position of SG.
According to Sifuna, it is not necessary to hold a party position in order for him to continue being in the movement.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
