Ledama Olekina says she is vying for the seat of ODM Secretary General: “I will do a good job”

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina expressed his intention to become the next general secretary of the ODM party
The politician paid tribute to the embattled Senator Edwin Sifuna but criticized his recent harsh statements
Ledama criticized tribalism in Kenyan politics and emphasized the importance of embracing ideological unity

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has expressed his intention to run for the position of Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina says he is ready to replace Edwin Sifuna as SG of the ODM party. Photo: Ledama Olekina.
Source: Facebook

The position was previously held by a Nairobi senator Edwin Sifunawho was surprisingly removed after disagreeing with party policies and raising concerns about the legacy of late founder and former prime minister Raila Odinga.

The party also accused Sifuna of disrespecting party leaders a few days after he publicly said that he would not be the general secretary of mediocrity.

Following his recent statements and his participation in the Linda Mwananchi tour, a foreign program linked to ODM, some members asked him to resign from the party.

Why Ledama Olekina wants to succeed Sifuna

Speaking to political analyst Herman Manyora on Sunday, April 5, Ledama said he respects Sifuna regardless of his views on mediocrity or meritocracy.

“I heard him say that he will not be the SG of Oburu Oginga, who is now the confirmed leader of the party. By doing so, it means that he resigned. But I know that Sifuna is still a member of ODM. No one said he is leaving. Maybe our strategy is deeply rooted in Railasm. Now we should look at ourselves as a developing nation that should accept leadership and implement meritocracy,” he said.

Ledama revealed that Sifuna was never the subject of discussion at the recent Special Meeting of the party’s delegates, despite the internal conflicts involving him.

He announced his willingness to serve as SG, citing his long presence and loyalty to the party.

“It’s not that I’m recommended, but am I interested in that job? Of course yes. I would like to hold any position but the one I know I can serve well is the position of SG because I have given everything to that political party,” he said.

Ledama Olekina calls for national unity

The senator criticized the political trend of following a particular region or tribe after the removal of a leader.

Ledama claimed he confronted Oburu on the issue of leadership, referring to Raila’s legacy of anti-tribalism.

“Why do we always return to tribal settlements? We are one nation talking about one nation,” said Ledama, stressing that the country should begin to mature politically.

“I have spent a lot of time learning the methods of our late leader, Raila. He did not believe in tribalism. We must unite on the basis of ideology, not tribal politics,” he added.

Should Edwin Sifuna continue his studies?

In related news, Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo advised Sifuna to focus on continuing his studiessaying his current level of education is inadequate for someone his age.

Gogo claimed that going back to school will humble Sifuna and make him respect his fellow leaders.

According to him, his fellow member of parliament with 13 degrees and many diplomas is misleading Sifuna, despite his claims of having few professional qualifications.