Robert Alai Thrilled as Sifuna Reads ODM Statement Affirming Support for Ruto: "Baba ni Nganya"

• Politician Robert Alai expressed unwavering support for ODM's latest stance, while hinting at internal tensions during a high-profile announcement
• His remarks targeted ODM's secretary general Edwin Sifuna, who had repeatedly announced a parallel stance regarding the Ruto-Raila deal
• In a video message, the popular MCA delivered a passionate tribute to a veteran political figure, drawing metaphors to emphasise enduring strength and resilience

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Nairobi: Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has praised ODM leader Raila Odinga for stabilising the party after recent internal cracks, lauding his leadership as unmatched and resilient.

On Tuesday, July 29, ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna reaffirmed the party’s position to support the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in February between Raila and President William Ruto.

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Did Robert Alai mock Sifuna?

The pact, according to the party, aims to create an enabling environment for democratic and constitutional engagement.

"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,” said Sifuna during a press briefing.

However, Alai noted irony in Sifuna’s tone, claiming the SG appeared nervous while delivering the position he had repeatedly opposed.

“Today, you have seen Sifuna nervous during the presser. Don’t play with ODM,” Alai remarked, referencing Sifuna’s earlier opposition to the Ruto-Raila truce.

Sifuna had previously declared the MoU dead following the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang at Central Police Station and had faced backlash after suggesting that the deal had caused deep divisions within ODM.

How did Robert Alai praise Raila?

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In light of the party’s renewed unity, Alai heaped praise on Raila, likening him to a skilled driver navigating a turbulent political journey.

“For Kenya to get a party like ODM under Raila’s leadership is rare. ODM is more than a party—it’s a force. We have to appreciate the leadership of Raila in a very unique way. He is not only a party leader but a lifetime political leader. Raila has held this party,” said Alai.

“Raila is like a matatu driver steering through chaos. Sometimes it looks like the bus will crash, but he steadies it, drops some passengers, and lets others board. Raila in ile nganya," he added.

Furthermore, he affirmed the party's resilience and predicted its survival beyond the 2027 elections.

"People predicted ODM's death in 2007 following the exit of Ruto. In 2013, 2017, and 2022, when we lost elections, we still survived. We are going to survive the elections of 2027," the MCA assured.

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Meanwhile, while speaking at a past rally, Sifuna reaffirmed his commitment to the party, stating he would only consider stepping down if directed by the party leader.

Sifuna, also the Nairobi senator, dismissed calls from critics within the party, asserting that only those who understand his journey to leadership have the authority to question his conduct.

Addressing residents in Kakamega, he gauged public opinion on his resignation, but the crowd overwhelmingly supported him to stay in office.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke