The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has claimed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is preparing to discipline Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, including removing him from his role as party Secretary General.
Cherargei alleged that ODM intends to strip Sifuna of the position this week, accusing him of undermining both the party and the broad-based government arrangement. He also suggested that there are plans in the Senate to remove Sifuna from his role as Deputy Minority Whip, which he said would allow the Nairobi senator to associate with what he termed “saboteurs” of the government coalition.
Cherargei accused Sifuna of duplicity, alleging that he supported the 2024 impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, despite publicly opposing the political arrangement between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga. He cited Senate Hansard records to support his claim that Sifuna voted in favour of the impeachment, actively debated the motion, and lobbied for Gachagua’s removal.
The claims come shortly after Sifuna dismissed calls for his removal as ODM Secretary General, insisting that no individual or faction within the party has the authority to oust him. The Nairobi senator’s defiance comes amid rising tensions within ODM, with some leaders accusing him of undermining unity by opposing cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“You do not scare me. No one has the power to kick me out of the ODM party,” Sifuna said during the burial of Alice Wangari Gakuya in Murang’a County.
Sifuna also reignited debate over ODM’s 2022 campaign finances, asserting that former President Uhuru Kenyatta was the primary supporter of the party’s campaigns. He accused National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed of mismanaging funds, failing to pay election agents, and contributing to ODM’s defeat in the polls.
He reiterated ODM’s long-standing opposition stance, insisting that Raila Odinga never directed party members to support President Ruto in 2027. Sifuna’s position aligns with Siaya Governor James Orengo, who has warned against formalising a political alliance with Ruto, arguing it would compromise ODM’s identity and founding values.
Meanwhile, ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has indicated that the party will either contest the 2027 elections independently or join coalitions that ensure power-sharing, dismissing the notion of remaining solely in opposition.
