Edwin Sifuna. Photo/Courtesy
Former Murang’a senatorial aspirant Kinuthia Pius has challenged ODM Secretary‑General Edwin Sifuna’s account of the process that led to the appointment of Dr. Oburu Oginga as party leader, saying Sifuna’s criticisms are inconsistent with his actions.
In a statement on Wednesday, Pius described Sifuna as “a smart and intelligent leader,” but added that he sometimes uses his intelligence to “carry us pumpkins,” a colloquial expression suggesting misleading or frivolous behavior.
Pius was responding to remarks Sifuna made during a Citizen TV interview on Tuesday, in which the ODM SG said:
“I was not present at the meeting that elevated Oburu Oginga to interim party leader. I was out of the country leading a delegation to India to repatriate Raila Odinga’s body. Some party figures did not see the need to wait for my return.”
Sifuna also questioned the legality of the process, stating:
“The process used to install Oburu as interim leader did not align with the party’s constitution. Proper procedure would have been to let one of the deputy leaders act temporarily and then convene a National Delegates Convention to formally select a leader.”
He further emphasised adherence to party rules:
“Bypassing the constitutional process undermines internal party rules. Leadership transitions should be governed by established procedures, not informal decisions by a select group.”
Sifuna rejected claims that he was leaving or could be expelled from ODM:
“I remain a member of ODM regardless of leadership disputes. No one can kick me out, and I have no intention of leaving. Party membership is separate from holding a specific office.”
Reacting to these statements, Pius said:
“The truth is that Sifuna was at the centre of everything, including the day the party leader was officially sworn in. It’s okay to exercise your freedom of expression in a party that espouses democracy, but it’s hypocritical to continue holding such a critical office when you no longer believe in the party’s decisions. Resign and leave the party if you are that principled.”.