ODM CEO Ong’wen defends SG Sifuna, dismisses reports of plot to remove him

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) CEO Oduor Ong’wen has come out strongly in defence of the party’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna amid rising criticism over his constant opposition of the political outfit’s working arrangement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Ong’wen reaffirmed that Sifuna, as the ODM SG, is the official spokesperson of the party and is mandated to articulate its positions on key national matters.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ong’wen emphasized that while Sifuna speaks for the party, he is also entitled to express his personal views, noting that this is a right enshrined in any functioning democracy.

The ODM boss further clarified that no formal petition has been filed by any party member seeking the removal of Sifuna from his position.

He added that, should such a move ever arise, it would be handled strictly in accordance with the party’s internal procedures and democratic structures.

Ong’wen also reiterated the party’s stance on recent troubling events in the country, saying: “The ODM party does not support the recent wave of abductions and killings that have rocked the nation. Such actions are unacceptable and must be condemned.”

Ong’wen’s remarks aim to quell internal murmurs and public speculation, while reinforcing unity within the party's leadership ranks.

This comes hours after Sifuna openly admitted that the once-perceived largest political party in the country is grappling with confusion and internal contradictions, making it difficult for both its members and the public to understand its stance on national issues.

Speaking in an interview on ‘The Explainer’ show on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Sifuna laid bare internal frustrations and ideological contradictions, questioning whether ODM still speaks in one voice or stands for the values it once championed.

The outspoken Nairobi Senator acknowledged that he now finds it difficult to articulate the party’s position on core principles, a situation he blames on disjointed messaging and apparent support for rival political formations by some party members.

“Right now, there is a lot of confusion. I have told my party leader that there was a time when it was very easy to be the SG of ODM… You would wake me up in the middle of the night and ask me anything because we agreed that you can compromise on tactics, but you can never compromise on your values,” he said.

“There are things that ODM stands for. When you ask me my position on devolution or rights under Article 37, I would give you the answer straight away. But right now, there is a lot of confusion because I come to this show and I struggle to explain that we are the same political party.”

Sifuna also sensationally declared the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and UDA party null and void following the recent killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

He said the tragic incident marked the collapse of the agreement, which he insisted had already shown signs of crumbling due to what he termed as bad faith from the Kenya Kwanza administration.

"On the day that Albert Ojwang dies in a police cell, to me this agreement is dead. Because it doesn’t matter what else you do, Albert will not be able to enjoy that,” Sifuna stated bluntly, adding that the spirit of the MoU was betrayed the moment lives continued to be lost despite supposed political détente.

Ong’wen’s defence of Sifuna also comes after former ODM Chairman and current Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi also hit out at the party SG over his remarks during the interview.

Mbadi chastised Sifuna for making divisive remarks and urged him to respect the party's leadership.

“Between the party leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” Mbadi questioned, affirming Raila Odinga’s ultimate authority within ODM.

Mbadi also revealed that Cabinet Secretaries who accepted positions in the Kenya Kwanza administration after the signing of the MoU did so with Mr. Odinga's full knowledge and approval, and after extensive consultations with President William Ruto.

“I’m glad he clarified those are his personal opinions,” Mbadi said, dismissing Sifuna’s recent remarks as unrepresentative of the party’s official stance.