Sifuna has a right to speak, Raila tells ODM members
He stressed that he has never curtailed free expression within ODM, even if some opinions appear to question his leadership.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has defended party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s recent criticism of the political deal between ODM and the ruling coalition, urging party members to allow open and honest dialogue within the movement.
Speaking in Kakamega on Friday, Raila said Sifuna was entitled to his opinion and emphasised that ODM remains a democratic party that embraces diverse views, including those that challenge his leadership.
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“If Sifuna has spoken, he has every right to do so. If you disagree with him, say your piece too,” Raila said, dismissing calls to silence dissenting voices within the party.
He stressed that he has never curtailed free expression within ODM, even if some opinions appear to question his leadership.
“I have never told anyone in ODM how they should speak. Even if someone says Baba is old and should go back to Bondo, I have no problem with that; it is the people who will decide,” he said.
Raila reiterated that while members are free to express themselves in public, the party’s official stance is determined through internal consultation. “Sifuna’s comments, like any other member’s, will be discussed in our party organs. That is where we respond and build consensus,” he added.
He assured supporters that the ODM–UDA deal, which has attracted growing scrutiny, would undergo a comprehensive review.
“We’ll sit down, assess what has been implemented, and agree on the way forward together,” he said.
Raila’s remarks came days after Sifuna declared the deal “dead” during a television interview, citing ongoing police brutality and the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in custody on June 8.
He argued that the agreement had failed to deliver on its key promises of protecting lives and upholding democracy.
“On the day Albert Ojwang dies in a police cell, for me, this agreement is dead,” Sifuna said. He also turned down an offer to join the team reviewing the deal, saying, “I am not a mortician.”
Sifuna further claimed that removing President Ruto from office had become a national necessity, marking a sharp shift from the party’s earlier cooperation stance.
Despite these remarks, Raila maintained that ODM would continue to use its structures to address disagreements and shape its political direction as a united front.
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