Kisii Governor Simba Arati addresses mourners in Ekerenyo on January 31, 2025. PHOTO/SCREENGRABKisii Governor Simba Arati has defended ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, stating that the Nairobi Senator’s remarks reflect the true position of the party.
Sifuna has faced verbal attacks from a section of ODM politicians who accuse him of misrepresenting the party's stance.
He has been vocal in criticizing the Kenya Kwanza government, taking a tough stance on alleged abductions and extrajudicial killings. His position has clashed with some ODM politicians who support the government, sparking a war of words.
On Friday, Arati asserted that Sifuna’s statements align with ODM’s position regarding the country’s situation and expressed his support for him.
“There are people insulting Edwin Sifuna, but I want to say that as the Secretary General of ODM, Sifuna is the spokesperson of the party,” Arati said during a funeral in Ekerenyo, Nyamira County.
“The ODM spokesperson is none other than Sifuna, and when you hear Sifuna speak, that is the party’s position.”
Arati emphasized that despite ODM contributing experts to the Kenya Kwanza government, the party remains independent of President William Ruto’s administration.
“Let me speak as the deputy party leader of ODM. We provided experts to the government, but we are not part of it,” Arati said.
“We have told the president that he is our brother, and we will ensure the government delivers, but as ODM, we are not in his government.”
There has been internal friction within ODM, with Sifuna facing criticism for allegedly attacking the government in which some party members serve.
Over the weekend, Sifuna urged party lawmakers and officials aligning with President Ruto to resign and formally join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He accused such officials of betraying ODM’s values by “becoming Ruto’s mouthpiece, supporting his punitive policies, and abandoning the ordinary people.”
“Leave ODM and join UDA if you cannot defend Kenyans. Stop being sycophants and call out Ruto for the injustices happening in the country,” he said in a statement.
Siaya Governor James Orengo also criticised ODM officials who “blindly support” Ruto, warning them against engaging in what he termed the “praise and worship” of the president.
“We must stand firm as a party,” Orengo told ODM supporters in Siaya County recently.
However, ODM’s national chairperson, Gladys Wanga, recently cautioned party leaders against attacking the government.
She stated that ODM is strategically engaging with Ruto’s administration while keeping an eye on the 2027 elections, whether independently or through a coalition.
“Don’t fight our people in government. You cannot burn a house while trying to protect your children,” she told party supporters in response to Sifuna’s statements.
