ODM leaders slam Sifuna over opposition to Ruto-Raila deal

Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed./COURTERSY

Some ODM leaders and Kenya Kwanza members have criticised ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of misrepresenting the party's position on the bipartisan deal between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Sifuna, who recently cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that birthed the Broad-Based Government (BBG) framework, is now facing sharp criticism from within his own party.

Suna East Member of Parliament (MP) Junet Mohamed, a close ally of Raila, dismissed Sifuna’s remarks as rogue and misleading.

Speaking during a women and youth empowerment forum and launch of “Shield Okumba Sacco” at Midika Stadium in Muhoroni, Kisumu County, Junet said Sifuna lacked the wherewithal to castigate the MoU.

"Only Baba (Raila) can speak for ODM at that level. If he hasn’t declared the deal dead, then it is very much alive. This broad-based government initiative is meant to ensure resources trickle down to our people," said Junet.

"Outside of the BBG framework there's only chaos and anarchy. We are not fools. We know what we’re doing,” he said.

Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga also backed the deal, asserting that the party had not reneged on the agreement signed with Ruto in March.

"Our party leader is Raila Odinga. When he says left, we go left," said Wanga. "There is no single day we have abandoned the MoU. Those saying otherwise are not speaking on behalf of ODM. We are fully supporting the President in delivering development," she added.

Wanga cited ongoing infrastructure projects in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Siaya as fruits of the union adding that the leaders were fully behind the deal.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot dismissed Sifuna’s criticism, suggesting the Nairobi Senator lacked historical grounding in ODM’s evolution. 

“Sifuna only joined the party recently. He does not understand the journey this party has taken,” Cheruiyot said.

National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, weighed in, praising the President's sustained visits to Nyanza and commitment to equitable development. 

"Luo Nyanza has a golden opportunity to receive its fair share of development. Those opposed to this are anti-development," he said, urging politicians to differentiate between democratic dissent and destruction of property.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who was the chief guest at the fundraiser, echoed the sentiment, saying the government was keen on fair distribution of resources. 

“Some have claimed that only those who voted for the government deserve development. That’s unconstitutional. President Ruto has chosen to serve all Kenyans equally,” he said.

Kindiki commended Raila for supporting the BBG agenda, saying it proved his commitment to national unity over partisan interests. 

“This partnership is not about campaigns or enmity—it’s about steering Kenya forward,” he added.