Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has dismissed claims that he is a political mole for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, terming the allegations baseless and politically motivated amid growing tensions within the opposition party.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Sifuna pushed back against accusations linking his recent public engagements to Gachagua, insisting his actions should not be misinterpreted as covert political alliances.
The remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal disagreements over cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“I am too big to be anyone’s mole,” Sifuna said, adding that he would not be dictated to on whom to associate with in public or private spaces.
He defended his decision to attend public functions where leaders from rival political camps are present, including funerals, saying such occasions transcend partisan politics.
Sifuna cited guidance from ODM leader Raila Odinga, who he said had advised him to develop resilience in the face of sustained political attacks.
According to Sifuna, Odinga warned him that criticism and rumours are inevitable given his position as party secretary general, but urged him to remain focused on his responsibilities.
The senator’s comments come against the backdrop of deepening divisions within ODM over the party’s posture towards President William Ruto’s administration.
Sifuna has been openly critical of the broad-based government arrangement and has opposed proposals for a pre-coalition deal between ODM and the ruling UDA party.
His stance has placed him at odds with sections of the party leadership and supporters who favour structured cooperation with the government, arguing it offers a pathway to influence policy and governance from within.
Sifuna, however, has maintained that ODM must protect its opposition identity and remain accountable to its supporters.
He warned against decisions that could weaken the party’s ideological standing ahead of future political contests.