File image of ODM Headquarters in Nairobi.
A section of elected Members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party have called for an urgent meeting to address ongoing wrangles within the party.
In a statement on Monday, January 5, the MPs asked ODM party leader Oburu Oginga to convene a meeting to restore public confidence in the party.
The MPs noted that small parties are aggressively and strategically moving to occupy spaces that are held by the ODM Party.
“We can’t help but curiously observe that small parties are aggressively and strategically moving to occupy the spaces previously held by our beloved ODM party.
“It is for this reason that we request our party leader, Dr Oburu Odinga, to move with speed, convene the party’s organs, and help restore public confidence in the party, before we begin to hemorrhage members to insignificant political formations. The current intolerance does not augur well for a revolutionary movement that Rt Hon Raila Odinga founded on the ideals of democracy, free speech, and justice,” the MPs said.
The ODM MPs also urged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed to desist from making public slurs against each other.
“Given the positions of trust bestowed on them, we urge the party officials like Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, to desist from public verbal slurs and return to the table for internal discussions. We encourage the Party Leader to call for an internal “spitting session” to avoid the ongoing mud-fest,” the MPs added.
This comes after Sifuna accused Junet of misappropriating funds meant to pay election agents during the 2022 General Election.
“Others freely benefited from Uhuru Kenyatta’s money, and as Secretary General, I know this well. A large portion of the funds we used for the campaign came from Uhuru. But now, one reckless person has suddenly decided that Uhuru’s money is somehow wrong,” said Sifuna.
Junet, in response, alleged that retired Uhuru released funds meant for election agents to his brother Muhoho Kenyatta, who then appointed Peter Mburu to oversee the recruitment of Azimio agents and their payment.
“I wish to respond to Senator Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General, who moonlights for former President Uhuru Kenyatta within our party, and who has challenged me to explain why agents in the 2022 General Election were neither paid nor present at their designated polling stations.
“The answer is simple, clear, and verifiable: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta released the funds meant for election agents to his blood brother, Muhoho Kenyatta. Muhoho Kenyatta then appointed one Mr. Peter Mburu to take charge of the recruitment and payment of agents,” Junet said.
