'Whose decision is final?' Mbadi slams Sifuna over mortician claims

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna (left) and Treasury CS John Mbadi. [File, Standard]

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has ignited political controversy after publicly dismissing the ODM-UDA Memorandum of Understanding, terming it as "dead."

Sifuna averred he refused to join a review team because he is not a 'mortician,' calling quits on the 10-point agenda between the two political parties.

"I have asked respectfully to be left out of that team because I already declared this MOU dead. I have already done so publicly, so there is no point. I am not a mortician," said Sifuna on Citizen TV.

The remarks, made on Tuesday, were seen as a direct insult to ODM's evolving relationship with the ruling coalition.

His comment hinted at deeper tension brewing between ODM's senior leadership and its current strategy, especially as party leader Raila Odinga defends the ruling government.

However, former ODM chairperson and Treasury CS John Mbadi sought to manage the fallout, distancing the party from Sifuna's views. "Between the Party Leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?" Mbadi posed.

Joining him, Nyaribari Chache, Member of Parliament Zaheer Jhanda called for Sifuna's resignation or expulsion from ODM.

"You cannot dine at the table of unity by day and sharpen swords of sabotage by night. That's political conmanship. If you think you have better ideas than President Ruto, run against him."

On social media, Kenyans weighed in with strong criticism. One user, @PaulMagero8, wrote, "whether you like it or not... ODM had founder members, and you were a toddler then." His sentiments reverting back to when the president had previously warned Sifuna over his 'reckless' remarks during George Oduor's burial.

Another user, Alfred, termed Sifuna a noise maker and should have resigned from the party. "This noisemaker should have resigned as of yesterday. He should be frog-marched out of Chungwa House."

Others echoed the sentiment, questioning his loyalty and labeling him "hypocritical" for criticising ODM's unity efforts while remaining in office. "Sifuna is not serious. His sentiments are not in agreement with those of RAO and other ODM leaders. He better resign."