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ODM leaders on Sunday denied that the broad-based pact between party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto amounted to a political coalition.
Speaking at a service at PAG Church in Kawangware, the leaders emphasized that the engagement between Raila and Ruto was conditional and focused on governance reforms, not on forming a political alliance.
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Siaya Governor James Orengo stressed that Raila had set clear terms, insisting that the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report must be fully implemented.
“The pact between Raila and Ruto does not signify a coalition. Raila was clear that the NADCO report must be executed. If Ruto considers himself Baba’s friend, let him open the server and prove it,” Orengo said.
Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna warned against any attempts to undermine the party leadership or disrespect Raila’s family.
“I ask that Raila Odinga’s family be respected. If you didn’t have the power to interfere with Mama Ida or the family when Raila was alive, where does this power come from now? We will not enter a coalition with those responsible for the Gen Z killings,” Sifuna said.
He also cautioned that any attempt to remove him as ODM Secretary-General would have serious consequences.
“Removing Sifuna as Sec-Gen will signal the end of ODM. Our party cannot be sold and remains the largest in the country,” he added.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino took a defiant stance, urging internal party democracy and calling for a National Delegates Convention (NDC).
“We will not bow to intimidation. If they come with clubs and guns, we will oppose them. We demand NDC, and if it’s not convened, we will collect 1,600 signatures for Sifuna to call one,” Babu said.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi accused unnamed individuals of attempting to destabilize the party with money.
“They want to disrupt Raila’s party, but we will not allow it. ODM is not for corruption. This money is meant to cause chaos among ODM members,” Osotsi said.
The leaders reiterated that ODM’s priorities remain accountability, party unity, and the implementation of agreed reforms, dismissing claims that the party has entered into a coalition with the ruling administration.
