Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has reflected on his efforts to maintain unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of its former leader, Raila Odinga. Sifuna, who served as ODM Secretary General for nine years, claimed that he honoured his promise to Raila during his burial not to wreck the party. He stated that despite being at the centre of controversy surrounding the party's leadership, he tried to prevent divisions within ODM.
Sifuna revealed that several attempts were made to reconcile ODM party leaders, including mediation sessions involving trustees and meetings held at their homes. He said that he sought to bring the party leadership together but claimed that key decisions affecting ODM were being made outside the party structures before being communicated to its members. According to Sifuna, the party had undergone significant changes since Raila's death, leaving some members unable to find political expression within the party.
The Linda Mwananchi movement co-principal recalled that Raila's widow, Ida Odinga, had appealed to the party leadership to sit down and resolve their differences during a visit to her home on the late former Prime Minister's birthday. Sifuna said that they had many mediation efforts to try to intervene and thanked the party trustees who participated in the mediation efforts. However, he claimed that discussions had initially appeared to make progress before decisions contrary to the resolutions reached at the meetings were made.
Sifuna further accused the party of unlawfully removing him from the Secretary General position in February, saying he challenged the decision before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT). According to Sifuna, the tribunal found that ODM had erred in removing him from office and directed the parties to follow the party constitution. He said he subsequently wrote to the party seeking arbitration, but the request was rejected.
Sifuna argued that the party should have referred his case to its standing disciplinary committee instead of establishing a separate body that heard the matter in his absence. He added that he had unsuccessfully sought the tribunal's intervention over the disciplinary process, saying the party had not explained why his case was not referred to its standing disciplinary committee. Sifuna expressed hope that Raila sees his efforts to keep the party united.
The ODM party has been undergoing significant changes since Raila's death, with some members struggling to find political expression within the party. Sifuna claimed that it has been a difficult period for many people, including Raila's family, supporters, and party members. He stated that he personally made an effort to bring the party leadership together but was faced with challenges.
Sifuna's removal from the Secretary General position and the subsequent disciplinary process have been contentious issues within the party. He accused the party of setting up a kangaroo court to try him and claimed that the party's actions were contrary to the party constitution. The issue remains unresolved, with Sifuna seeking arbitration and intervention from the tribunal.
Key points
- Edwin Sifuna claims he kept his promise to Raila Odinga not to wreck ODM after his death.
- Sifuna was unlawfully removed as ODM Secretary General, he claims.
- The party has undergone significant changes since Raila's death, leading to difficulties for some members.
