Junet, Joho do not speak for ODM party - SG Sifuna clarifies

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has cautioned leaders within the party to exercise restraint when making public political statements that could harm the opposition political outfit’s image.

This comes after National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed on Monday this week stirred debate by suggesting that the government should eliminate public participation in development projects, arguing that the process creates unnecessary bottlenecks.

Speaking then in Taita Taveta while accompanying President William Ruto, Junet said, “Serikali inachaguliwa ndio ilete maendeleo kwa nchi...lakini kama serikali ikitaka kufanya kazi yake inawekewa vikwazo.”

A day later, when he spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for Devki Iron Processing Project in Taita Taveta County on Tuesday, Junet doubled down and openly expressed how the opposition is now singing to the same tune as the Kenya Kwanza government.

"Mambo ya Affordable Housing, na mengi yalikuwa katika manifesto yetu na sisi kama upinzani tumesema kama mambo ilikuwa katika manifesto yetu, hakuna kitu ya kupinga," he said.

While also responding to his proposal to scrap public participation; he pointed out that: "Huwezi kufunga mdomo yangu. Jana nimeongea Taita Taveta na watu wananirukia, bwana mdomo ni yangu, siasa ni yangu. Nasema my politics, my choice."

Speaking on Junet’s controversial remarks, Sifuna emphasized that such statements do not represent the official position of the ODM party.

“When a leader like Junet makes a statement and says it’s his personal opinion, he must remember that his position in the party and Parliament makes his words easily perceived as ODM’s stance. While personal opinions are allowed, leaders must weigh their words carefully,” Sifuna said.

“I must make it clear that what Junet said does not reflect ODM’s beliefs. We stand for public participation and the people's interests. If he speaks, I will also speak to correct the record because my duty is to protect ODM's identity.”

Sifuna’s remarks also come just days after former ODM Deputy Party Leader Ali Hassan Joho, now the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, labelled Kenyans using social media platforms to criticise the government as unpatriotic and warned of potential consequences for such posts. 

Sifuna reiterated his responsibility as ODM Secretary General to protect the party’s constitution, combat propaganda, and uphold its values.

The Nairobi Senator criticized the perceivably threatening tone used by Joho towards social media users critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration, which has drawn the anger of Kenyans online.

He highlighted that even ODM party chief Raila Odinga has faced criticism online but has never once condemned critics, reiterating his earlier stance that lawmakers will soon summon Joho to explain his statements.

In response, however, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, head of ODM’s Disaster Response Committee, came out to defend Joho.

Oketch pointed out that the former Mombasa Governor is now part of the Kenya Kwanza government and must align with its agenda.

“When a Cabinet Secretary takes an oath, they become part of the government and are duty-bound to protect it,” Oketch explained.

The Senator also argued that Junet was not wrong in his remarks, given his role as an opposition leader in Parliament.

However, Oketch urged all leaders, including the President, to avoid statements or actions that could provoke unrest, particularly among the youth.

“Leaders must refrain from arrogance and public displays of wealth, as these could reignite tensions like those witnessed in recent months,” he warned.