Africa-Press – Kenya. Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has apologised to former President Uhuru Kenyatta over insults directed at him by some party leaders, acknowledging the role Uhuru played in supporting the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Tuesday, Sifuna said the remarks were made by a few leaders who had forgotten the contributions of Uhuru, whom he described as a loyal ally during critical moments for Raila.
“On behalf of the ODM party, I want to apologise for the insults directed at you by some ODM leaders who have forgotten the work you did to help the late father become president,” he said.
“They have forgotten the work you did; we were there, and we are witnesses.”
The senator spoke at the funeral of former MP Cyrus Jirongo, where Uhuru was one of the high-profile guests present.
Sifuna insisted that the apology was extended on behalf of the “foolish” members of the party, while acknowledging that ODM also has wise leaders who continue to respect Uhuru.
“Today, they want to cut off the hand that fed them. Because the party has both wise and foolish members, I want, on behalf of the foolish ones, to apologise for the insults directed at you,” he said.
The ODM official emphasised that the party recognises Uhuru’s contributions during the late Raila’s presidential bid and that his loyalty had not gone unnoticed.
“If there was ever a day the ODM party did not say thank you, today I want to say, as Secretary-General of ODM, thank you for standing by Baba (Raila Odinga),” Sifuna said.
Sifuna further recalled that ODM leader Raila had frequently highlighted Uhuru’s loyalty, describing him as one of his few true friends.
“Raila used to tell us every day that you were among his few true friends, and we will continue to respect you,” he added.
The apology comes a few days after top ODM leaders, including chairperson, Governor Wanga, and Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, claimed Uhuru was plotting to use insiders of the party to cause internal divisions.
Wanga insisted that while she respects Uhuru, he must also keep off the affairs of the party.
She spoke in the presence of President William Ruto in Homa Bay County on Sunday.
“We have respect for President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, if you want to destroy the ODM Party by sending wheeler-dealers to us, then we reject your plans. We will not take that matter lightly, as we will deal with it perpendicularly,” Wanga warned.
