Newspapers: Splits in the Opposition as Matiang’i is Accused of Being Ruto’s Project

The newspapers of Monday, February 16, have given importance to a political meeting organized by ODM rebels led by Edwin Sifuna.

These newspapers also report to me about the cracks emerging in the Opposition Union regarding the method that will be used to choose the presidential candidate

1. Daily Nation

This post reports on the chaos that was witnessed during the first general political meeting of Edwin Sifuna since his removal as general secretary of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The meeting organized by ODM rebels in Kitengela ended on Sunday, February 15, after the police fired in the air and fired tear gas to disperse the supporters of Linda Mwananchi’s wing of the party.

The confrontation broke out shortly after the faction led by Sifuna was welcomed in the city following the hours of tension that preceded the church event at the ACK St Peter’s Orkeju Church in Kisaju.

Hundreds of supporters chanting the slogan “one term” marched forward as the leaders addressed them, overwhelming the security officers who were quietly stationed at the camp.

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Sifuna later responded to the unrest through her X account, denouncing the harassment and intimidation.

“Thank you Kitengela. Despite the abuse, threats and violence from this morning, you showed up. They destroyed our platform and loudspeakers first thing in the morning… government officials have now thrown tear gas and ended the peaceful meeting suddenly. We will not accept it,” Sifuna said.

2. People’s Daily

Cracks have emerged in the Opposition Alliance as the allies of Kalonzo Musyoka citing corruption in former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i’s attempt to control the selection of a joint flag bearer for the 2027 presidency.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua criticized Matiang’i’s desire to use a scientific method to choose the opposition presidential candidate.

But speaking on Sunday, February 15, Wambua said that the work of the former Minister of Internal Security to manage the opposition ended in 2022, and therefore, he has no chance to address anyone about the method that will be used in choosing the right candidate to face the President William Ruto on the ballot.

He accused Matiang’i of allegedly being used by Ruto’s officials to sabotage the opposition before the 2027 General Election.

Also read

Newspapers: How Ruto, Oburu and Wanga planned the expulsion of Edwin Sifuna

“You will not manage us in the 2027 elections, you cannot hear the voice of the majority, clear the way and leave the opposition,” Wambua said.

Wambua dared the former minister of the Ministry of Interior to resign if he is uncomfortable, instead of trying to smear others

“I am asking you, Matiang’i, to leave the united opposition for unity and peace. If you are not comfortable with the voice of the majority of the coalition, please do something honorable and be disbanded. Do not try to throw words at us,” he said and pushed us again.

3. Nation Today

The Kiswahili newspaper reported the feelings of the Deputy President Kithur Kindiki for the claims of the ODM party before the pre-election negotiations with the UDA.

Speaking in Meru county on Sunday, February 16, Kindiki said he is fully focused on carrying out his duties while supporting President William Ruto to win a second term in the next election.

Kindiki confirmed his commitment to his role, stressing his commitment to speed up the delivery of government projects across the country.

He dismissed attempts to engage him in unproductive debates, citing his experience in strategic political engagement.

Also read

Video: William Ruto is stunned by the incident of his bodyguard suddenly dressing a relative who wanted to reach him

4. The Standard

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga dismissed claims that the party’s general secretary Edwin Sifuna was expelled from the party.

Speaking at the service of the Shalom Miracle Church in Makupa, Mombasa, on February 15, Oburu explained that Sifuna’s removal was only for the post of general secretary due to misconduct, but he remains a member of ODM.

Oburu reiterated that ODM needs discipline and that Catherine Omanyo will remain as interim general secretary.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke