Political commentator Kipkalya Kones has challenged allegations that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and a faction of dissenting leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are receiving financial backing from former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
The claims were initially raised by Gladys Wanga and Junet Mohamed, who alleged that the emerging ODM rebel grouping is being bankrolled to undermine the party’s unity.
In a lengthy statement shared on X, Kones dismissed the accusations, questioning what tangible evidence exists to support claims of financial sponsorship.
He argued that recent gatherings associated with the Sifuna-aligned group show little sign of heavy funding, noting that leaders often travel modestly and address crowds that assemble voluntarily.
“What exactly is being funded?” he posed, suggesting that allegations of billions in support may be politically strategic, aimed at discouraging potential grassroots backers from offering assistance.
Kones further argued that association with Kenyatta should not automatically be viewed as problematic.
He referenced claims that some political actors accepted financial support from the former president during the 2022 elections, questioning why such assistance would now be portrayed negatively.
He also cited reports that President William Ruto met Kenyatta in 2024 while seeking broad-based political support, after which several individuals linked to the former president were reportedly nominated to Cabinet positions.
In his view, this demonstrated Kenyatta’s continued influence in government affairs, making claims about opposition infiltration inconsistent.
The commentator also pointed to the public reaction to digital strategist Pauline Njoroge appearing at opposition events, noting that she previously worked openly within Raila Odinga’s political orbit during the 2022 campaigns.
Kones suggested Kenyatta remains popular among sections of ODM supporters due to his visible backing of Raila Odinga during the 2022 elections and his role in consolidating the Azimio coalition.
He concluded that narratives portraying Kenyatta as both an adversary and covert ally lack coherence, arguing that his financial networks and political influence continue to shape Kenya’s political landscape.
The controversy reflects deepening divisions within ODM as internal rivalries and alliances ahead of the 2027 election cycle begin to take shape.