Raila Odinga Brokers Truce in ODM Amid Push for Edwin Sifuna's Resignation: "Unity of Purpose"
- ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna ignited debate after he declared the MoU between Raila Odinga and President William Ruto dead
- On Tuesday, July 29, Raila chaired a critical party meeting where they took a formal stand regarding the broad-based government
- The Orange party listed several issues they want the Kenya Kwanza Alliance administration to quickly address
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Raila Odinga has moved to take charge of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party amid emerging cracks over his deal with President William Ruto.
Source: Facebook
A section of leaders had called for Secretary General Edwin Sifuna's resignation after he publicly declared the MoU between Raila and Ruto dead.
However, on Tuesday, July 29, Raila chaired the ODM Central Management Committee to deliberate on issues affecting the party.
Does ODM support broad-based government?
The committee discussed in detail recent developments, including resistance in the party against the broad-based government.
In a statement read by Sifuna, the committee agreed on several issues, including the need to remain united.
"That while the members arrived here with different viewpoints on many issues within the party and the country, the committee brokered an unbreakable unity of purpose in the party and single-minded focus on ensuring that ODM continues to be loyal servant of the people and the country, acting in the best interest of its supporters and the nation and committed to the agenda of national transformation and stability," Sifuna said.
The committee further supported the move by Raila to work with the Kenyan Kwanza Alliance to stabilise the country.
"That the party supports the position of party leader Raila Odinga to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration to stabilise the country and create an enabling environment for Kenyans to address their concerns through democratic and constitutional means," he added.
What issues does Raila Odinga want addressed?
Among the resolutions, the party picked a technical team to work with the UDA counterpart to fast-track the implementation of the 10-point agenda contained in the MoU.
"That in order to expedite the implementation of the 10-point agenda of the MoU, ODM will constitute a technical team to work with UDA counterparts as part of the political infrastructure to assist with the implementation of the agreement. The committee identified the absence of such a technical committee, which is contained in the MOU, as the missing link in the implementation of the document," the Orange party stated.
Among the issues that Raila's party wants quickly addressed are the full implementation of the NADCO report, promotion and protection of the livelihoods of young people, the right to peaceful assembly and protests, the rule of law and constitutionalism, and corruption and wastage of public resources.
Source: Facebook
Are there plans to chase Edwin Sifuna out of ODM?
Earlier, Siaya senator Oburu Oginga had hinted at plans to chase Sifuna out of the ODM party leadership.
Speaking in Homa Bay county on Sunday, July 27, Oburu said they are tired of Sifuna's continued opposition to the broad-based government.
Oburu, who is Raila's brother, asked the Nairobi senator to leave ODM instead of sparking internal battles.
Oburu stated that, as much as the secretary-general is entitled to his opinion, he ought to respect the position of the party regarding the working arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government.
Is Edwin Sifuna ready to resign?
The embattled secretary general told his critics that he would only exit the stage in two instances: when Raila asks him to do so or when members of the party call for his resignation.
He told off party officials who are pushing for his ouster, saying they have no moral authority to do so.
The defiant advocate maintained that he has been articulating the party position contrary to his critics' allegations.
Despite Raila's intervention to shield him from growing criticism, a section of ODM leaders is not yet done with the outspoken secretary general.
On Monday, July 28, Migori Woman Rep Fatuma Mohamed asked Sifuna not to set foot in Nyatike and the entire Migori county for allegedly disrespecting Raila and misrepresenting the party position.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on Sifuna's resignation conditions
Source: TUKO.co.ke
