Western ODM MPs threaten to ditch party over attacks on Sifuna

A section of ODM legislators from the Western region has issued a stern warning to the party leadership, threatening to walk out if Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is not shielded from sustained internal attacks over his stance on the Kenya Kwanza government.

Speaking during a delegates’ meeting at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega on Friday, the MPs rallied behind Sifuna, saying he was being unfairly targeted for speaking the truth about President William Ruto’s administration.

“We will not sit back and watch Sifuna be sacrificed for telling the truth. If the party cannot protect its Secretary General, then some of us will have to reconsider our position in ODM,” said Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala.

The MP insisted that Sifuna’s criticism of government excesses represents the official position of the party and should not be misconstrued as personal attacks or indiscipline.

“Some people want to silence Sifuna for speaking the truth. We are here to say no, and we stand with him, and any attack on him is an attack on all of us, ”he said.

Butere MP Tindi Mwale openly defended Sifuna, describing him as a bold, articulate leader who is simply executing his mandate.

“Sifuna is our voice and our shield. He speaks truth to power, and that’s what a real Secretary General should do. We will not allow anyone within or outside ODM to bring him down. If the party cannot protect him, then it should not expect our loyalty either,” said Mwale.

The bold remarks came even as a number of elected leaders from the region, notably ODM members, skipped the event entirely. 

Among those who gave the meeting a wide berth were Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo, Ikolomani’s Bernard Shinali, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.

Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, who was the official host, made a brief appearance to welcome the delegation but conspicuously avoided political commentary.

He left shortly after without making any statement during the event.