Sifuna: Ruto main cause of ODM fallout

Embattled ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna has singled out President William Ruto as the central force behind the escalating internal wrangles within the party.

Speaking amid deepening divisions, Sifuna claimed his firm opposition to Ruto’s administration had made him a target of sustained political attacks, both from outside and within ODM ranks.

 “The only thing that is causing divisions within ODM is some members supporting President Ruto for the 2027 elections. That is the only problem they have with me," he said.

The Nairobi senator was speaking during a morning radio talk show on Inooro Fm.

Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have been leading Linda Mwananchi faction, a movement that is campaigning against President Ruto's administration.

At the same time, Sifuna accused rival faction allied to Oburu Oginga, accusing it of paying only lip service to reconciliation efforts.

While the group publicly calls for unity, its actions on the ground suggest a lack of genuine commitment to healing divisions in the party, Sifuna said.

"Our brothers are not genuine during these talks. Mama Ida Odinga has asked us that we solve the tensions within the party before holding these formal meetings," he noted.

"We have no squabble with anyone, we wish them all the best, but the only thing that is causing divisions within ODM is some members supporting President Ruto for the 2027 elections. That is the only problem they have with me."

His remarks come as ODM grapples with heightened infighting, with calls for reconciliation.

Over the weekend, deputy party leader Simba Arati called on dissenting members of ODM to return to the orange party fold, warning that unity remains critical for its survival and future political strength.

Speaking during the retreat in Mombasa, Arati struck a conciliatory tone, urging those he termed as “uncertain” or “doubting” to reconsider their positions and rejoin the party.

“We must choose, and I submit to you today that unity is not optional; without it we will fall,” Arati said.

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has appealed to elders, clergy to help bring truce in the party.

Speaking on Saturday in Kisumu county, during the burial of Mzee Nyikal Okaka, the father of Seme MP James Nyikal, Ruth said the “Wantam” and “Tutam” camps within ODM are to blame for the standoff.

“We must build one ODM, and it is a high time for Bishop Godia here, and I talk to you on behalf of the clergy: please call our senior politicians here; call Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, call Governor Orengo, and call Oburu. Call all these people and sit them down, and see how you can bring them together. Create a mediation team that can support this process,” she said.

Sifuna also decried the emerging goons culture in the party that he noted informed his decision to keep away from the leaders retreat in Mombasa.

According to the Nairobi senator, goons had been deployed to attack him upon showing up at the retreat, saying that he had to prioritise his safety.

He claimed that ODM has adopted a culture of hiring youthful groups to cause havoc in party meetings whenever dissenting members show up.

"I could not attend that meeting. There are many planned party meetings, and they want you to attend their meetings so that you are attacked. They organise gangs to attack you. There were also gangs in Kilifi during the first meeting," he said.

"The same was also seen in Mombasa; there were gangs that were deployed to cause chaos."

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Speaking amid deepening divisions in the party, Sifuna claimed his firm opposition to Ruto’s administration had made him a target of sustained political attacks, both from outside and within ODM ranks.