ODM Dismisses Claims of Scheme to Break President Kenyatta's Jubilee Party

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has dismissed claims that there is a scheme to to rock ruling party Jubilee, in a bid to scuttle its succession plan.

A section of ruling party's leaders, mainly allied to Deputy President William Ruto, alleged that the Opposition party was using the famous March 9th handshake between its leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru, to throw Jubilee into confusion and scuttle Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.

However, speaking after holding a meeting with Kiambu ODM leaders at Riverside Hotel in Kiambu on Monday, party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna dismissed the claims, noting that the outfit was only strengthening itself.

“When we engage in activities as a party, it’s not our intention to kill (politically) any other person, group or party. I believe that these parties  are free to engage in party activities, they are free to go to any corner of the country like we are doing in ODM. Our vibrancy is only for uplifting ourselves. That is a wrong notion that should be corrected,” said Mr Sifuna.

Sifuna further assured the party remains behind the unity initiative spearheaded by the President and Mr Odinga.

Addressing mourners at the funeral service of the late second liberation hero Kenneth Matiba in Murang'a late last month, both President Uhuru and Raila stated that their handshake had nothing to do with 2022 politics.

"And I know there are many who were not happy with what we did. We know! We are hearing from all sides. Some from my side, some from his [Raila] side,” Uhuru said.

"That is why I am surprised that when we meet with Raila and shake hands stories (have) started about 2022. As Raila has said, there will be 2022, there will be 2027, there will be 2020 until 2030. Let us leave these politics aside. Let us focus on what matters to our people."

Echoing President Uhuru sentiments, Raila noted; "We are not talking about 2022, 2022 will come and go. We are thinking beyond 2022."