Sifuna's clash with ODM is not boldness, it is political suicide - MP Wamuthende

The ODM party removed Sifuna from office, effective immediately, following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Wednesday.

In response to the developments in ODM, Mbeere North Member of Parliament Leo Wamuthende has chided the Nairobi Senator for his conduct that led to his dismissal from ODM leadership.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday, Wamuthende said Sifuna’s move is misguided and risks isolating him politically.

“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,” Muthende said.

“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. 

He noted that even during the late ODM leader Raila Odinga’s time, Sifuna often appeared to take different decisions that conflicted with the party leadership.

“Raila Odinga made tough decisions for the party and for the country. Sometimes those decisions were unpopular, but they were necessary. At the end of the day, his word carried weight because he had the future of Kenya at heart,” he said.

The legislator argued that Sifuna’s stance was misguided as he would have waited for the finality of the party negotiations. 

“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.”

According to the MP, many Kenyans are currently prioritising unity and dialogue over confrontation, calling on leaders to put national interest above personal political positioning.

Muthende warned that sidelining the party’s direction could cost Sifuna political goodwill, noting that ODM supporters are keenly watching how events unfold before making up their minds.

“Sifuna is who he is because of ODM. Without the party, he risks losing the very platform that gave him a voice. Supporters are waiting for facts and direction from party leadership, not rebellion without explanation,” he said.

He also reminded ODM supporters of Sifuna’s past discomfort with key party decisions, urging them to critically evaluate his current decision.

The remarks come amid growing debate within ODM on the future of its engagement with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition.