Mbeere North MP Leo Wamuthende has criticised Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following his removal as ODM Secretary General, describing his stance against the party’s negotiations with UDA as “political suicide.”
Speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday morning, February 12, Wamuthende argued that leaders who distance themselves from major political formations such as ODM or UDA risk weakening their political future ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Today, anyone walking away from ODM or UDA is committing political suicide. This is not the first time he has openly differed with the party’s leadership,” Wamuthende said.
The MP defended ODM’s decision to explore talks with UDA, saying engagement between political parties should not be misconstrued as surrender. He maintained that dialogue remains a core pillar of ODM’s political culture.
“Walking away from talks is not boldness. ODM is a strong party built on consultation and engagement. When you abandon dialogue prematurely, you put yourself in a very difficult position, especially when you speak as the Secretary General of the party,” he added.
Wamuthende suggested that Sifuna should have allowed internal consultations and negotiations to run their course before taking a public position.
He noted that discussions around possible pre-coalition agreements ahead of 2027 were still at a preliminary stage.
“When a party expresses willingness to sit down with a significant partner, it is misleading for the Secretary General to attempt to walk away before negotiations even begin,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened debate within ODM over its engagement strategy, with supporters and critics weighing in on the potential political implications.
Sifuna’s removal has further spotlighted internal differences within the party as it navigates shifting political alignments.
As the 2027 race gradually takes shape, ODM’s approach to coalition-building is expected to remain a key issue in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.