Acting, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu
Oginga has come out in support of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, saying he
accurately represents the party’s position and should not be criticised or
isolated.
Speaking in defence of the ODM Secretary-General, Oburu
dismissed suggestions of disciplinary action or ouster against Sifuna. He said
the party should focus on unity rather than internal conflicts.
“When Sifuna says what he says, he is within his right and
that is the correct position of the party. He is not isolated,” Oburu said on
NTV.
He emphasised that Sifuna’s public statements reflect the
official stance of ODM and should not be misinterpreted as personal opinions or
dissent.
Oburu noted that Sifuna has been committed to the party’s
goals and has executed his duties diligently.
“I don’t think this is the time to talk about ouster of any
member,” he said.
“This is the time to unite the party, and we need all
members including Sifuna. In my view, he is doing a good job.”
Oburu’s remarks come amid growing debate within the party
over recent comments made by Sifuna on internal issues.
The Senator has over time insisted that the party has no
agreement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) beyond 2027.
This has seen other senior members of the party disagree with
Sifuna, insisting that the party will back President William Ruto for re-election
in 2027.
However, Oburu insisted that strengthening the party ahead of
future political engagements requires solidarity and respect for leaders tasked
with communicating ODM’s position.
ODM has recently been navigating shifting political
dynamics, both within the party and in national politics, following the death
of its founding leader Raila Odinga.
Calls for unity have grown louder as the party strategises
for upcoming electoral contests and seeks to maintain its influence across the
country.
Oburu was named acting party a day after the death of his
brother, Raila.
The party Central Management Committee in a meeting last
week endorsed Oburu to be the substantive party leader.
“This being the first meeting of the committee since the
passing of the party leader, the top party organ that we endorse Hon. Dr Oburu
Oginga as the new party leader and urge the party rank and file to accord him
all the necessary support and cooperation to enable him guide the party through
this difficult time,” Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said after the near
four-hour meeting.
The party said its Central Management Committee meeting laid
a firm foundation of unity upon which they can build, moving forward, while
asking the media to help it sustain this momentum by not perpetually hyping on
perceived divisions.
