- Sifuna said Raila in seeking the AU position, has not made any pronouncements regarding his local political future.
- He said the biggest issue affecting Kenyans today is the high cost of living and not political party succession.
Image: FILE
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dismissed reports of a split in leadership following party leader Raila Odinga’s bid for chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna noted that in the days that followed the announcement by Raila of his desire to contest for the AU seat, the media has been awash with “false narratives” about succession politics within ODM.
“It has not escaped notice that these fake news items appear coordinated, well-choreographed and consistent, which suggests a well-woven plot to incite division within the party is afoot,” he said.
He maintained that ODM has a strong leadership foundation, vibrant party structures, credible values and a strong party membership base.
“These virtues form the basis upon which any succession or filling of vacant leadership position is conducted. If a time ever comes for transitions within the party’s leadership, we will make it public,” he said.
He said Raila in seeking the AU position, has not made any pronouncements regarding his local political future and remains the ODM leader.
“We urge members not to fall for the narratives currently being churned by the media. The party remains strong, focused on its mandate and working for the masses in its role as the people’s watchman,” he said.
He said the biggest issue affecting Kenyans today is the high cost of living and not political party succession.
Reports said top guns in Raila’s inner circles are split between endorsing former governors Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho as the alternative ODM party leader.
Joho and Oparanya are ODM deputy party leaders. In the 2022 presidential race, Joho was Raila's point man at the Coast, while Oparanya was in charge of Western.
The former Mombasa governor has already declared interest in running for president in the 2027 general election on an ODM ticket.
Reports said while some ODM members prefer Oparanya, terming him a loyal and experienced politician, those who vouch for Joho say he is young, vibrant and can revamp the party.
Joho disengaged from ODM activities after Raila lost the 2022 polls.
The former Mombasa governor was among the leaders who have welcomed Raila’s move to run for AUC chairman.
Already, ODM top brass has convened a meeting next week to chart the way forward following their boss’s declaration.
ODM national chairman John Mbadi also confirmed the top organ meeting upon the return of the party boss from a trip overseas.