Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary
General Edwin Sifuna has reaffirmed that the opposition party remains outside
of government, despite its recent collaboration agreement with the ruling Kenya
Kwanza coalition.
Speaking at the funeral of the late Kasipul MP Charles Were in
Oyugis, Homa Bay County, Sifuna clarified that ODM's involvement in government
affairs through advisory roles and appointments does not amount to formal
participation in governance.
“Baba told me that even after we donated our experts to the
government, ODM is not in government. He said it himself,” Sifuna said, referring
to ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
“If ODM is not in government, the secretary general of ODM
cannot be in government.”
Sifuna emphasised that while the party remains committed to
national interests, it has not relinquished its ambition to lead the country.
“All political parties are interested in ascending to power,” he
added, underscoring that his loyalty lies solely with Raila.
His
remarks come months after President William Ruto and Raila signed a memorandum
of understanding on March 7, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention
Centre (KICC), signaling a new era of political cooperation between the ruling
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.
The agreement, dubbed the formation of a “broad-based
government,” aims to address national issues such as public debt, corruption,
and economic instability.
This partnership followed months of unrest triggered by
unpopular tax proposals in mid-2024 that led to nationwide youth-led protests,
resulting in the deaths of at least 60 people, according to human rights
organisations.
Facing mounting public pressure, Ruto sought to stabilise his
administration by extending olive branches to the opposition, leading to the
inclusion of ODM figures in his Cabinet.
However, Sifuna’s latest comments make it clear that the
collaboration is strategic and does not amount to ODM joining the government.
Five Cabinet Secretaries belong to the ODM party, including John
Mbadi (National Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Joho (Mining),
Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives) and Beatrice Askul (ASAL).
