By Daniel Otieno and Faith Anene, Kakamega
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has come out strongly in defense of its Secretary General Edwin Sifuna following a recent public uproar over his remarks in an interview with Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara.
During the party’s 20-year anniversary delegates’ meeting in Kakamega, ODM leaders stood in solidarity with Sifuna, lauding him for speaking boldly on behalf of the party and defending the interests of ordinary Kenyans, particularly on education funding and governance.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga reaffirmed Sifuna’s mandate, stating that as Secretary General, he speaks for the party and has every right to express both the party’s position and his personal convictions. “Sifuna is the mouthpiece of the party and he speaks on behalf of us all. If the government is not performing, it must be corrected—and that is what Sifuna was doing. As a party, that’s what we stand for,” said Raila.
The former Prime Minister also decried the rising tide of tribalism within the party, expressing disappointment at those who questioned Sifuna’s place in ODM based on ethnicity. “ODM believes in unity. The issue of tribalism creeping into the party is heartbreaking,” he said, vowing to uphold ODM’s identity as a national movement.
Senator Godfrey Osotsi, ODM Deputy Party Leader, revealed that Sifuna had briefed him prior to the controversial interview and received his full endorsement.
“Sifuna came to me and shared what he intended to say. I agreed it was in the public interest. If there’s any blame, direct it to me and not him,” said Osotsi, adding that Sifuna had not spoken to Raila beforehand.
Western region ODM chair and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the party’s inclusive nature. “It is wrong for some to call for Sifuna’s removal simply because of his tribe. ODM is a national party with over five million members. We must accommodate all,” said Barasa.
Sifuna, in his speech, stood his ground, warning against a growing culture of silencing dissent. “I am not ready to be silenced. No threat can scare me. Raila taught me that in politics, criticism is a sign of growth,” he declared.
He likened the backlash he faced to tactics from the Moi era, where critics were abducted or disappeared. “Is that what ODM is embracing now? A culture of fear and exclusion?” he asked.
Sifuna also linked the controversy to his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government’s proposal to slash capitation funds for schools, a move he and other ODM leaders have vehemently opposed. “I will fight for what is right. If the government is failing our children, I will say it. And if anyone disagrees, they are free to book their own airtime with Okwara and say so,” he quipped.
He called for genuine national dialogue that includes all generations but warned it must be rooted in freedom of expression. “How can we talk about intergenerational dialogue when those who speak out are punished or expelled?”
Sifuna concluded by pledging loyalty only to those who entrusted him with the role of Secretary General. “If those who made me SG tell me to resign, I will. But I will not be cowed by those who never believed in me.”
