The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has rejected Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s declaration that the cooperation pact between ODM and UDA is no longer valid.
The 10-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on March 7 by ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, aimed to promote democratic rights, such as freedom of protest, and reduce government expenditure.
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Addressing a public rally on Friday, Junet emphasized that Raila alone has the authority to determine the status of the agreement.
“We are members of ODM, and we are part of the inclusive government. That agreement still stands unless Baba (Raila) says otherwise. Only he can pronounce it dead or alive,” Junet said.
He further defended ODM’s involvement in the Kenya Kwanza administration, stating it is a strategic move to maintain national order.
“We want to avoid instability and chaos. We’re not naive—we understand how governance works. Let those criticizing us step aside as we steer our affairs our own way. Supporting the inclusive government ensures resources reach the grassroots,” he added.
Junet’s comments came in response to Sifuna’s earlier dismissal of the MoU during a Citizen TV interview on July 22. The Nairobi Senator had argued that ODM’s top leadership had reviewed the agreement, but he chose to distance himself from the process.
“I’ve respectfully asked to be excluded from that team. I already consider the MoU dead. I’m not a mortician—there’s no point in reviewing something I’ve declared lifeless,” Sifuna said.
He attributed his stance to what he termed as the government’s failure to uphold the MoU’s core promises, including respect for human rights, media freedom, lawful governance, and political fairness.
According to Sifuna, the most serious violation was the continued loss of lives, which, in his view, invalidated the agreement.
“Ruto may be benefiting by keeping the democratic image intact until 2027, but our people are dying. When Albert Ojwang’ died in police custody, that was the end of the deal for me. He won’t be around to benefit from any promises,” he said.
The controversy has exposed growing divisions within ODM, with some leaders questioning the party’s association with President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sifuna’s outspoken remarks—uncharacteristic of a long-time Raila ally—have fueled speculation about his loyalty and future within the party.
Both he and Junet have been vocal ODM figures, but their split over the MoU reveals deeper ideological tensions as the party weighs whether to support Ruto or front Raila for another presidential run.
