Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has claimed that ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna unsuccessfully lobbied for a Cabinet position during the formation of the broad-based government.
In a statement on Friday, July 25, the MP dismissed Sifuna’s recent public attacks on the Kenya Kwanza regime, suggesting they are driven by personal frustration.
"ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna lobbied hard to be part of the Cabinet during the formation of the broad-based government, but his bid was flatly rejected.
"CS Oparanya was picked for the very position Sifuna had his eyes on. Now you understand the bitterness," he said.
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This comes two days after Sifuna declared that the MoU between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is dead.
He said the agreement was founded on two principles; protecting the lives of Kenyan citizens and preserving Kenya’s democratic space up to the 2027 general elections.
However, Sifuna noted that the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody brutality violated the very foundation of the agreement.
"The reason I declared this MoU dead is because the initial argument for entering into it was twofold. First, it was for the preservation of life; we were losing people unnecessarily. We all agreed that this must stop. We need to stop killing our people.
"The second reason was to sustain our democratic state. President William Ruto is getting his part of the bargain because democracy is being maintained at least until 2027. But our people are not benefiting; they are still being killed. On the day Albert Ojwang dies in a police cell, for me, this agreement is dead. It doesn’t matter what else you do, Albert will not be able to enjoy any of it,” he explained.
The remarks triggered mixed reactions within ODM with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi questioning Sifuna's authority to pronounce the deal dea, adding that the final word rests with ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
“Between the Party Leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” the CS posed.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma also weighed in, stating that the MoU remains valid and that Sifuna’s public statements could mislead the public.
“We will forgive and mentor him. Where he digresses a bit, we will bring him back on track. I can only ask him to be careful about his remarks on ODM internal meetings. The agreement remains intact," he stated.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei accused Siduna of playing politics and claimed that the MoU was still operational.
Cherargei suggested that Sifuna’s frustrations stemmed from perceived favouritism in government appointments, which may not have favoured him or his allies.
"Senator Sifuna is misleading the nation yet ODM signed a working partnership with Kenya kwanza Government which is working on very well. He signed the document.
"Ruto and Raila shall work beyond 2027 the earlier he bolts out the better for him. He is disappointed that most of his colleagues were appointed to Cabinet John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya and Opiyo Wandayi," he said.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita echoed the criticism, challenging Sifuna to withdraw from the MoU if he no longer believed in its purpose instead of making dramatic public pronouncements.
"Sifuna portrays himself as someone who does not have a conscience. Because if you didn’t believe in the MoU in the first place, and you are the Secretary General, why sign it? If you don’t believe in the association, simply bolt out. It is simple," he stated.
