Sifuna made the remarks during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, where Uhuru was among the attendees.
Speaking to mourners, Sifuna said it was regrettable that a section of ODM leaders had turned against a man who once stood firmly with Raila Odinga during the 2022 presidential campaign.
Speaking to mourners, Sifuna said it was regrettable that a section of ODM leaders had turned against a man who once stood firmly with Raila Odinga during the 2022 presidential campaign.
He reminded the gathering that Uhuru’s support for the opposition at the time was significant, and accused some party members of failing to acknowledge that contribution.
Sifuna, who spoke in both Kiswahili and English, said he was issuing the apology on behalf of the entire ODM party.
Sifuna, who spoke in both Kiswahili and English, said he was issuing the apology on behalf of the entire ODM party.
He criticised those attacking the retired president, saying they were “biting the hand that fed them.” He warned that political ingratitude can divide the party if not addressed.
His remarks widened an already heated debate within ODM. Earlier, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya had also defended Uhuru, urging the party to stop dragging the former president into internal disputes.
His remarks widened an already heated debate within ODM. Earlier, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya had also defended Uhuru, urging the party to stop dragging the former president into internal disputes.
According to Salasya, ODM should focus on its role in the broad-based government instead of blaming Uhuru for every disagreement that emerges.
However, not everyone within the party agrees with Sifuna and Salasya. ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed have recently accused Uhuru of interfering with the party's internal affairs.
However, not everyone within the party agrees with Sifuna and Salasya. ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed have recently accused Uhuru of interfering with the party's internal affairs.
Wanga, while speaking in Homa Bay in the presence of President William Ruto, claimed that Uhuru was using political brokers within ODM to create tension and confusion.
Wanga warned that the party would resist any attempts to destabilise it, saying ODM respects Uhuru but will not allow external influence meant to weaken its structures.
The contrasting statements illustrate the widening cracks within ODM, with leaders divided over how to relate to the former Head of State.
Wanga warned that the party would resist any attempts to destabilise it, saying ODM respects Uhuru but will not allow external influence meant to weaken its structures.
The contrasting statements illustrate the widening cracks within ODM, with leaders divided over how to relate to the former Head of State.
While some view Uhuru as a key ally who supported the opposition at a crucial moment, others believe his involvement in current political issues is contributing to unnecessary friction.
The tensions come at a time when the party is still adjusting to its new arrangement with the ruling UDA Party under the broad-based government structure, a partnership that has triggered debates about loyalty, direction and leadership within ODM.
The tensions come at a time when the party is still adjusting to its new arrangement with the ruling UDA Party under the broad-based government structure, a partnership that has triggered debates about loyalty, direction and leadership within ODM.
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