Didmus Barasa Explains Why Sifuna's Name Was Allegedly Removed from List of CSs: "He Approached Me"
- Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has sensationally claimed that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was once eyeing a Cabinet post in the Kenya Kwanza–ODM power-sharing deal
- Barasa alleged that Sifuna lobbied for his inclusion in the list of proposed Cabinet secretaries but was dropped in favour of another leader
- The outspoken MP now accuses Sifuna of hypocrisy and bitterness, claiming his criticism of the government stems from personal disappointment
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
He wanted in on the deal, but now he’s the loudest critic, and Didmus Barasa says he knows exactly why.
Source: UGC
The Kimilili Member of Parliament has launched a sharp attack on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of hypocrisy and bitterness.
This, he says, started after Sifuna allegedly missed out on a Cabinet position in the broad-based government.
Speaking during a recent interview, Barasa claimed that Sifuna had once harboured hopes of becoming a Cabinet secretary under the power-sharing arrangement between Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Was Sifuna shortlisted to be CS in Ruto's government?
He said that discussions on forming the unity government began months before the official announcement, and ODM was expected to submit names of professionals to be considered for Cabinet roles.
Barasa alleged that Sifuna’s name was initially on that list due to his position as ODM secretary-general, but was later removed.
According to him, party leaders opted to front former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya instead, citing a need to balance regional representation within the Mulembe nation.
“They felt there should not be two names from the same community. So Sifuna’s name was dropped, and Oparanya was retained,” claimed Barasa.
“Sifuna even approached me personally, asking that I help push his name forward to secure the Cabinet post,” he alleged.
Did Sifuna sponsor court cases against Oparanya?
Barasa further claimed that Sifuna attempted to derail Oparanya’s chances by supporting efforts to challenge his suitability in court, allegedly due to investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
However, Raila is said to have stood firmly behind Oparanya, reportedly telling his allies that no one else from the region would be considered.
Source: Facebook
According to Barasa, this was the turning point that led to Sifuna’s alleged bitterness.
He said the Nairobi senator had become visibly gloomy when reading the Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and UDA, describing him as looking “as if a gun was pointed at his head.”
Barasa accused the Senator of acting like a “jilted lover.”
“If Sifuna’s name had been selected, he would be the most loyal defender of this government until Jesus returns,” Barasa claimed. “So Kenyans should not read too much into his criticism. He is simply a bitter man who was not picked.”
Is Edwin Sifuna losing his grip in ODM?
In a related development, newspapers on Thursday, July 24, highlighted growing discontent within ODM regarding Sifuna’s public opposition to the unity government.
His remarks during a televised interview earlier in the week, where he dismissed any support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, reportedly unsettled senior party figures.
The coverage also pointed to deepening internal rifts, with some members viewing Sifuna’s stance as a direct challenge to Raila’s political direction.
Taifa Leo reported that ODM leaders from Nairobi county, led by Makadara MP George Aladwa, openly criticised Sifuna and urged him to resign if he could not align with the party’s current trajectory.
Who are the other MPs opposing Sifuna?
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has also rubbished Sifuna's criticism of the government, insisting that he is championing the interests of outsiders.
Other critics of Sifuna within the ODM circle include MPs Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Jared Okello (Nyando), and Tom Ojienda (Kisumu senator).
On the other hand, a few youthful MPs led by Babu Owino (Embakasi East) and Caleb Amisi (Saboti) are backing Sifuna's hardline stance.
Babu and Amisi have publicly expressed reservations about working with the Kenya Kwanza government and have been urging ODM leadership to pull out of the broad-based arrangement.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on other MPs opposing Edwin Sifuna
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
