Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has cautioned against the casual use of the term ‘Broad-Based,’ noting that many people use it without a clear understanding of its meaning or purpose.
Speaking on Thursday, October 30, he said it had become fashionable for people to use the phrase in every political discussion.
Sifuna noted that those misusing the term have overlooked the fact that the Broad-Based initiative was founded on a clearly defined 10-point agenda.
“It has become fashionable for people to throw around this thing. Every single discussion that comes up, ‘we are in Broad-Based’. I want to remind them that Broad-Based is built on an 10-point agenda,” he said.
Sifuna stated that the document’s contents were authored by the late ODM leader Raila Odinga himself, urging those debating it to familiarize themselves with its details before making arguments.
“When you run around with this thing, always remember that there’s an agreement there; please, read it. Baba himself told the country that he’s the one who wrote that thing, so don’t argue with me about its contents,” he added.
This comes days Sifuna reaffirmed the party’s position, insisting that it remains firmly committed to the broad-based government.
Speaking after the ODM Central Management Committee meeting on Monday, October 27, he reiterated the party’s commitment to the vision championed by Raila for a united and peaceful Kenya.
“We reiterate the commitment of the Party to the broad-based government until 2027, a relationship guided by the ten-point agenda entered into for the sake of peace and stability of the Country,” he said.
Sifuna also dismissed the talk of internal rifts, saying that unity remains ODM’s greatest strength and that the party will continue to defend the interests of the people without distraction.
“ODM is not just a political party; it is a covenant. A covenant that we, the living, must now renew. Let us resist the temptation to scatter in despair, or to fight over his political inheritance as leaders often do when giants fall.
“We commit here in unison, as we did during the funeral, that we will not be responsible for any breakup in the party, or any unnecessary political turbulence that runs counter to Jakom’s dream,” he added.
Meanwhile, that same Monday, lawyer Nelson Havi urged Sifuna to move decisively and take charge of the party’s leadership.
In an interview, the outspoken lawyer argued that hesitation could lead to the party’s disintegration and division.
“Edwin Sifuna is my very good friend. I have some advice for him; accession to high office does not require hesitation. It doesn’t require hesitation. When the king is killed, even in combat or in illness, the heir apparent must prepare for coronation quickly,” he said.
Havi insisted that swift leadership action was necessary to prevent ODM from losing its national character and influence.
“So yes, he must not hesitate in taking over the leadership of ODM. In fact, by now, the ODM should have conglomerated at Chungwa House, taking over the leadership of this party.
“Otherwise, the leadership of the party will continue disintegrating. It will continue the division and fragmentation. It will end up being a party domiciled in Siaya County alone,” he added.
