Sifuna explains why he paused ambition for ODM Deputy Leader role

Nairobi Senator and ODM Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has shared the reasons behind his decision to put aside his bid for the party’s Deputy Party Leader position.

Speaking during an interview with Spice FM on Friday, Sifuna revealed that he had planned to move up from his current role as Secretary General to Deputy Party Leader but decided to hold off. 

He explained that his elevation to the higher post would require significant internal changes within the party, and he felt it was not the right time for such a transition.

“I had hoped to advance from my role as Secretary General to Deputy Party Leader, which, in my opinion, is a step up," Mr Sifuna said.

"But I was told there are some positions so central to the party that you can’t just leave them. It felt like they were saying, ‘Stay put for now,’ so I set those plans aside."

The Senator acknowledged that leadership roles within ODM are crucial to the party’s identity, and any reshuffling would bring about major shifts.

He also dismissed ongoing rumours that certain individuals within ODM were plotting to remove him from his position, calling the claims nothing more than propaganda.

“It’s all just noise,” he said, assuring his supporters that he remains firmly in his role and committed to serving the party.

He also addressed reports of internal divisions within Azimio due to ODM's decision to cooperate with the government.

The Nairobi Senator stressed the importance of unity, arguing that Azimio would only strengthen its prospects if its members stood together.

Despite some ODM members taking government positions, he reiterated that the party continues to operate as an opposition force. 

“ODM is still an opposition party,” he said. 

“We are part of the Minority in both the National Assembly and Senate, and we will keep playing our role in holding the government accountable.”

His comments came shortly before Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made it clear that he would not make any special accommodations for ODM leaders who recently aligned with the government.

Amid the shifting dynamics, Mr Sifuna reaffirmed that the Raila Odinga-led party remains focused on its mission of keeping the government in check, despite some members taking up roles within it.