ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna accused a section of Kenyans of misinterpreting the party’s stand on the ongoing crisis in the country.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party on Tuesday, July 23 denied reports that some of its members of the opposition party were reaching out to the ruling Kenya Kwanza government for Cabinet positions.
In a statement, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna accused a section of Kenyans of misinterpreting the party’s stand on the ongoing crisis in the country.
Sifuna reiterated that what the party was calling for was a national conversation to address the challenges Kenya is experiencing at the moment, a resolution which was unanimously adopted by the joint National Executive Committee/ Parliamentary group meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna speaking after an ODM Central Committee meeting with leaders from Migori and Kisii Counties on May 8, 2024. /EDWIN SIFUNA
“The accusation therefore that the party has prevaricated or flip-flopped on the matter is totally false. 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.
The party made it absolutely clear that it is 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.”
The party added that it maintained its unwavering position in support of the ongoing struggle to address the longstanding governance issues as very ably pointed out by Gen Z, also addressing the proposed national dialogue to resolve the crisis in the country, assuring supporters that its commitment to this cause is steadfast, as it recognizes the urgent need for transformative change in the nation.
As a major political player, ODM stated that it has repeatedly emphasized that it cannot be a mere bystander when the current situation and future of the nation are at stake.
“We have been categorical that the way forward is through an honest, all-inclusive National Conversation. This position was firmly stated by our Party Leader, His Excellency Raila Odinga, on July 9, 2024, following the presidential assent to the IEBC Bill at KICC.
“During our two consecutive Central Committee meetings held on July 2 and July 12, 2024 – as well as in H.E. Odinga’s communication on Sunday, July 23 – we reiterated this position and asserted that this National Conversation must be preceded by the following preconditions,” added Sifuna.
The party therefore demands the:
- Compensation to the families of the victims of extrajudicial executions and persons injured by the state since last year.
- Release of all persons in custody and termination of all cases related to protests since last year.
- Prosecution of policemen involved in shooting to kill or maim protestors.
- The sacking of the Nairobi Police Commander, Adamson Bungei.
Raila Odinga speaking at Homa Bay County on November 14, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA