The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has slammed a section of its members who are reaching out to the Kenya Kwanza government leadership to ask for cabinet positions.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 23, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna dismissed reports that the party was in talks with President William Ruto to form a government of national unity.
“A narrative has been woven that ODM is desperate to join the government when all along we have been clear that what we seek is a national conversation preceded by the creation of the necessary environment through the implementation of the conditions above,” said Sifuna.
The Nairobi Senator pointed out that some ODM members have misinterpreted the party’s position to lobby for government positions.
“Some of our members have also fallen for the campaign of lies and misinterpreted our stance as a license to engage the Kenya Kwanza leadership and canvass for ministerial and/or other positions in the Ruto government,” Sifuna stated.
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He mentioned that any ODM member who wants to join the cabinet will be doing that without the approval and support of the party.
“Any ODM member who makes themselves available to join the Kenya Kwanza cabinet or any other position should know that they do so without the blessing or support of the party.
“The ODM Party remains committed to its principles and the ongoing struggle for a better Kenya. We will continue to stand with the people and fight for the justice and reforms our nation desperately needs,” Sifuna added.
The statement comes Saboti MP Caleb Amisi stated that ODM leader Raila Odinga is surrounded by elfish individuals who are now scrambling to join the government.
The ODM lawmaker claimed that a section of the people around the former Prime Minister have even called President Ruto directly.
"When I say Raila has had selfish individuals around him, I mean that every bigwig around him is scrambling to join the cabinet. They don't even care whether Baba gets the AU position or whether he goes home, as long as they join the cabinet. Some are even calling Ruto directly. I think we were never on the same journey," Amisi remarked.
Reports indicate that President Ruto has offered Raila several Cabinet slots which now seem to have split leaders in the ODM.