Africa-Press – Kenya. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has insisted that he is still the ODM Secretary-General.
In a show of defiance, Sifuna paused for a moment, daring anyone sent to throw teargas to do so after giving them a few minutes.
He said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga did not raise fearful people.
Sifuna accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of misleading the public about its political support across regions.
“I want all to know that UDA has no votes in Western. They have no votes in Ukambani. They say he has votes in Coast—is that true? I don’t see those votes here,” Sifuna said.
He claimed the government appeases a few individuals with titles and then declares the land issue at the Coast resolved.
The Nairobi senator also said residents want large tracts of land held by absentee landlords addressed, not small parcels owned by a few individuals.
He argued that the slogan “Kazi Ni Kazi” is meant to mislead people.
“We have not gone to university to work as masons,” he said.
Sifuna added that he does not recognise any ODM without the backing of Raila Odinga, insisting the party was built on unity, not exclusion.
“I cannot be secretary-general of mediocrity,” he said.
He further said the newly ratified ODM party leader, Oburu Odinga, cannot lead the party to greatness.
“I know positions are decided by the people. Even if they take away my position, I know the people will give me another position,” Sifuna declared.
Oburu, who took over from his brother Raila Odinga, was formally ratified as the party leader during the ODM Special Delegates Conference at the Jamhuri Grounds on Friday.
Minority leader and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed also asked for a proposer and seconder for Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi to be retained as one of the deputy party leaders, but no member rose.
“So therefore, Vihiga Senator has no proposer or seconder… so if you don’t have a proposer and seconder, it means you cannot get the seat. Let us move to the next agenda,” Junet said amid loud applause.
“Senator Godffrey Osotsi has been dropped at the Special Delegates Convention as the deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Party,” he affirmed.
Arati and Abdulswamad were retained as deputy party leaders. Ahmed Abdullahi was voted in as National Organising Secretary, while Otiende Amollo and Ariko Nyamoit were elected as deputy chairpersons.
Meanwhile, Kisumu West MP Rozzah Buyu was elected ODM secretary for political affairs, while Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga was voted in as Deputy National Organising Secretary.
The meeting also endorsed a proposal by the party to initiate pre-election agreement talks with the ruling UDA, aimed at forming a broad-based government after the 2027 General Election.
