Written By Lisa Murimi
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, serving as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), faced a stern warning on Tuesday, July 23, as Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma accused him of disseminating misleading information.
Kaluma’s anger stemmed from a statement signed by Sifuna, which asserted that ODM politicians would not accept ministerial appointments from President William Ruto.
“This is not what the ODM Party resolved in the last meeting. Please communicate the true Party position or we sack you, with immediate effect,” Kaluma threatened.
His remarks reflect a growing division within the ODM party over the proposed dialogue between President William Ruto and party leader Raila Odinga.
While some ODM Members of Parliament, such as Peter Kaluma, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, and nominated MP John Mbadi, have shown openness to working with the Ruto administration, others, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Senator Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have opposed such cooperation.
Sifuna’s disputed statement emphasized the party’s stance against negotiating with the Ruto regime for any coalition or political arrangement, accusing some members of misinterpreting this position as a green light to engage with Kenya Kwanza leadership for ministerial roles.
Kaluma has now raised concerns about whether Raila Odinga endorsed the contentious statement before it was released to the public, questioning the legitimacy of Sifuna’s claims and further highlighting the internal rift within the party.
