Kapseret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi has encouraged ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to collaborate with Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to strengthen the opposition. In a statement shared on X on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Sudi suggested that Sifuna, given his legal expertise, should exercise his constitutional rights and join forces with Kalonzo to form a formidable opposition.
Response to Cabinet Nominations
Sudi’s remarks come amid growing tensions within the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition, following President William Ruto’s nomination of four senior ODM officials to his proposed broad-based government. The nominees include Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi as Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Energy and Petroleum, Hassan Joho as CS for Mining, ODM chairman John Mbadi as CS for Treasury and National Planning, and Wycliffe Oparanya as CS for Cooperatives.
Sudi praised these nominations, describing the new cabinet as reflective of the country’s diversity. He called on Kenyans to support the President’s inclusive government, emphasizing that it represents meritocracy and unity.
Sifuna’s Stance on Nominations
Edwin Sifuna has distanced the ODM party from the negotiations leading to these cabinet nominations. In a statement, Sifuna warned that any ODM members engaging in canvassing for cabinet positions would do so without the party’s endorsement. He stressed that the party had not sanctioned these moves, indicating a disconnect between the party’s official stance and the actions of some of its members.
Despite this, Sifuna expressed confidence in the nominees’ ability to deliver on their roles. However, he also pointed out that these ODM leaders, now co-opted into Ruto’s government, would need to familiarize themselves with the Bottom-Up agenda, a philosophy they previously opposed and may not fully understand.
Growing Rift in Opposition Coalition
The nominations of ODM leaders to Ruto’s government have exacerbated divisions within the opposition coalition. Jeremiah Kioni, the Jubilee party’s secretary-general, and Martha Karua, Narc-Kenya party leader and Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 general elections, have both signaled resistance to these developments. Karua emphasized the importance of standing by one’s convictions, while Kalonzo Musyoka has remained steadfast in his opposition to joining the government, even calling for President Ruto’s resignation.
