Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has come out clean on Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna over his recent remarks concerning the party during a recent TV interview.
Speaking during the ODM delegates conference in Kakamega County on Friday July 25, Raila defended Sifuna stating that every person within ODM has a right to express his/her opinion.
Raila further stated that ODM is a democratic party and must accommodate divergent views within its ranks.
“Those things Sifuna said… If Sifuna has spoken, he has the right to do so. If you disagree with his opinion, then express yours—that is democracy.
“I have never said that you shouldn’t speak in the party about anything. If you see Baba making a mistake, speak up. Tell me, ‘You are old, Baba, and you should go back home to Bondo’.”
The former Prime minister criticized leaders who have been attacking Sifuna on the media stating that such issues should be handled internally. He also reminded party members of the structures in place to handle disagreements.
He added, “We must uphold democracy in ODM. As members of the party, we have many internal organs. If Sifuna speaks, I shouldn’t go out and criticize him in the newspapers.
“We will wait until we meet in the Central Committee or the National Executive Committee. Everyone will speak, and then we will give Sifuna direction on what to tell the press. He is the official spokesperson of ODM,” Raila stated.
