ODM Rift Widens: Kaluma Threatens Sifuna's Removal for Opposing Raila-Ruto Talks

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has received a warning that his position in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is at risk.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma accuses Sifuna of disseminating misleading information. The internal conflict has been triggered by a statement bearing Sifuna's signature declaring that ODM politicians would decline ministerial appointments offered by President William Ruto. Kaluma vehemently contests this assertion, claiming it contradicts the decisions made during the party's most recent meeting. In response, he has issued a stern warning to Sifuna, threatening to initiate proceedings for his removal from office if he fails to accurately represent the party's position.

“This is not what the ODM Party resolved in the last meeting. Please communicate the true Party position or we sack you, with immediate effect,” Kaluma threatens.

This dispute highlights a growing division within the ODM regarding the proposed dialogue between President Ruto and party leader Raila Odinga. The division is particularly apparent among ODM members of the National Assembly who have shown a greater inclination to collaborate with the current administration. President Ruto's new cabinet appointments have further complicated the situation. While some ODM members, including Peter Kaluma, Opiyo Wandayi (the Minority Leader), and John Mbadi (a nominated member), have been proposed into the cabinet, others have staunchly opposed such integration.

Notable figures leading this opposition include Siaya Governor James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna himself, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Previously, Sifuna had attributed the apparent willingness of some ODM members to engage with the Kenya Kwanza leadership to misinformation and misinterpretation of the party's stance. He earlier asserted that these individuals have been misled into seeking ministerial or other positions within Ruto's government. The party subsequently clarified that it has not engaged in negotiations with Ruto's administration for any coalition or political arrangement.

“Some of our members have also fallen for the campaign of lies and misinterpreted our stance as a license to engage the Kenya Kwanza leadership and canvass for ministerial and/or other positions in the Ruto government,” Sifuna's disputed statement reads.