Oburu dismisses Sifuna’s claim on ODM-UDA deal, says agenda can’t be done in a year

Speaking at his new Strathmore Lavington offices along Riverside Drive in Nairobi during a dedication ceremony, Oginga described those unhappy with his leadership as self-seekers who do not have the party’s interests at heart.

He also said the issues covered under the ODM-UDA agreement, including the 10-point agenda and the NADCO report, are extensive and require time to implement.

Oginga took issue with remarks by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who had claimed the agreement ended on Saturday, March 7, insisting the pact was signed after the broad-based government was formed. “Senator Sifuna said yesterday that the agreement ended on Saturday 7th, I want to tell him that he suffers from memory issues… the agreement between our party and UDA was signed way after the broad-based government had been formed,” he said.

He said Tuesday’s event will commemorate the first anniversary of the signing of the agreement and will also be used to receive a preliminary report from the committee overseeing implementation of the 10-point agenda and the NADCO report.

Oginga urged members worried about ODM’s intention to enter negotiations with UDA and other like-minded parties to “hold their horses” and stop making unnecessary pronouncements in social gatherings.

The event was also addressed by Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and several legislators, including TJ Kajwang, Sen. Hamida Kibwana, Peter Orero, James Nyikal, Joshua Orony and Peters Owino. ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, Finance and Administration Director Joshua Kawino, and Oginga’s Chief of Staff Michael Agwanda were also in attendance, alongside other party officials and supporters.