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Sifuna Speaks Volumes

 





ODM Press Briefing Today: Sifuna Speaks Volumes Amid Party Confusion






NAIROBI, July 29, 2025 — Declaring ODM “in confusion,” Secretary‑General Edwin Sifuna today confronted growing criticism over the party’s ideological drift and its coalition with the Ruto administration, delivering a rare mix of apology, defiance, and urgent clarity.

🔍 ODM's Ideological Drift and Mixed Messaging

Sifuna acknowledged that even he now struggles to articulate ODM’s position on core issues—including devolution, civil liberties, and constitutional rights—because of mixed messaging coming from party cadres who have joined the Kenya Kwanza government. “You used to wake me in the night and I’d tell you exactly what ODM stands for,” he lamented. Now, with senior members contradicting the party line, “it’s very difficult … to discern the position … on major issues” 

🙇 Apology to the Party Base

In a rare admission, Sifuna apologised to ODM’s grassroots of over 5 million members for the confusion sown by leadership. He stated: “I want to apologise to members of ODM for all the confusion we as a leadership have caused,” emphasizing that ODM should never compromise on its values—even if tactics change 🚫 MoU Was Declared "Dead on Arrival"

Turning pointedly to ODM’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ruto administration, Sifuna refused to be part of a review team. “I already declared this MoU dead. I am not a mortician,” he said, underlining his belief that the agreement has exhausted its political legitimacy 

⚖️ Internal Rockiness—and a Warning on 2027

Flagging deep tension within ODM, Sifuna signalled growing resistance to the party’s current alignment with Kenya Kwanza. He warned: “If you stay yoked to Ruto until 2027, you won’t have time to prepare for the next election,” indicating that ODM risks losing electoral viability if the coalition endures too long 

🔄 Willingness to Step Aside—With One Condition

Fielding calls to resign, Sifuna stated that he is willing to vacate his Secretary‑General post if party leadership, particularly Raila Odinga, loses confidence in him. However, he drew a red line: only the party’s top hierarchy—not external critics—can demand his exit He also reiterated that he has not lost faith in ODM: “I have not given up on members of ODM. The day I do, I’ll say it publicly,” preserving hope for internal renewal 

✳️ Key Takeaways

ThemeInsight
Identity CrisisODM is struggling to assert its core values amid internal contradictions.
Leadership IntrospectionSifuna owns up to the confusion, pledging a return to clarity and accountability.
Coalition ScrutinyContinued alignment with Ruto may jeopardize ODM’s autonomy and election readiness.
Conditional ExitSifuna’s offer to step down remains contingent on internal party judgment, not external pressure.

✅ Why It Matters

This press briefing provides rare transparency from ODM's leadership at a time of increasing internal tension. Sifuna’s candid remarks may signal:

  • A possible internal pivot if grassroots pressure grows.

  • A warning shot that ODM cannot indefinitely straddle opposition integrity and government access.

  • A call to reconcile political advantage with ideological consistency.

Going forward, ODM’s ability to reaffirm its founding principles while managing its coalition strategy may determine its relevance in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Today's briefing may mark the beginning of that reckoning.

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