Kaluma was reacting to a statement by ODM shared earlier in the day, replying that it did not reflect the true position of the party.
Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma on Tuesday, July 23 warned that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna risks losing his position at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
In a post on X, the legislator claimed that Sifuna was misusing his position as the Secretary General of the opposition party led by Raila Odinga to spread misleading information.
Kaluma was reacting to a statement by ODM shared earlier in the day, replying that it did not reflect the true position of the party.
“This is not what The ODM party resolved in the last meeting. Please communicate the true party position or we will sack you, with immediate effect,” said Kaluma.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma. /FILE
He expressed his opposing views on the statement in which Sifuna indicated that ODM politicians would not accept any ministerial appointments from President William Ruto.
Kaluma’s sentiments were part of a growing division within the ODM party over the proposed dialogue between President Ruto and Raila.
Members of the National Assembly belonging to the opposition party have been seen as more receptive to working with the Head of State. Notable MPs from the ODM Party who have not ruled out having opposition members in Ruto’s cabinet include Kaluma, Opiyo Wandayi (Minority Leader) and John Mbadi (nominated).
However, James Orengo (Siaya Governor), Sifuna, and Babu Owino (Embakasi East MP) have led the team opposing the incorporation of ODM into the cabinet.
“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.
“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,” read the statement in part from the party.
The party made it absolutely clear that it was not in negotiations with the President William Ruto-led regime for any coalition or political arrangement, with Sifuna further warning that “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.”
Raila Odinga speaking during a press briefing on April 11, 2024. /CALEB AMISI