Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna signaled his exit from the powerful party position, declaring that he will not continue serving under what he termed as “mediocrity.
This follows a leadership transition after Raila Odinga’s death last year.
He spoke during what they called the ‘People’s’ National Delegates Convention (NDC) at Ufungamano House on Friday.
The Linda Mwananchi faction leader suggested that he was ready to step aside from the role he has held for years, taking a direct swipe at the new party leadership under Dr. Oburu Oginga.
“It has been the honour of my life to be the Secretary General of probably the greatest politician this country will ever see, Raila Amollo Odinga,” he declared.
“Can I be ODM Secretary General of Raila Odinga for eight years and then I become the SG of mediocrity? Oburu get your own SG. I will not be the SG of mediocrity, after Raila Odinga, you characters don’t deserve me.”
The remarks, widely interpreted as a public resignation or at the very least a refusal to serve under the new regime, mark a significant escalation of recent internal tensions within ODM following Raila’s death.
Even as he took a defiant tone, Sifuna maintained that leadership positions are ultimately determined by the will of the people, dismissing fears that he could be politically weakened by losing the said office.
He further clarified that he does not consider himself entitled to the ODM Secretary General position indefinitely, noting that other capable leaders exist within the party.
He had earlier on, however, insisted that any attempts to replace him as was previously done must strictly follow the party’s constitutional procedures.
“Sifuna was not born to be the Secretary General of ODM forever. Nimesema na nataka nirudie, sio lazima Sifuna awe katibu mkuu wa chama cha ODM. Ndani ya chama kuna vijana wengi ambao wanaweza kufanya hii kazi, lakini ukitaka kureplace Sifuna fuata katiba ya chama; itisha NDC ambayo kila mtu anaenda kwa debe, walete candidate wao alafu akutane na mimi,” he said.
Sifuna’s comments came a few minutes after the Linda Ground faction of ODM, which is allied to the ruling government in a broad-based arrangement, also held its own Special Delegates Convention (SDC) where Dr. Oburu was formally ratified as the new party leader.
The meeting at Ufungamano came after a brief confrontation between police and the supporters of Sifuna.
Several other political leaders attended the meeting.
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