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For two consecutive weekends, embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and his team has not only startled Kenyans with their undying spirit but also caused excitement, especially among the youthful population.
Sifuna, together with other youthful legislators such as Babu Owino of Embakasi East, Saboti’s Caleb Amisi, Caroli Omondi of Suba South, Kitutu Chache South’s Anthony Kibagendi and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, supported by veteran politician and Siaya governor James Orengo among others, have refused to dance to the tune of the status quo.
On Saturday, the team was unperturbed by attempts to disrupt their rally in Kakamega through lobbying of teargas cannisters and instead stayed put to the very logical conclusion.
They were also not moved by a rally in Siaya, led by interim ODM leader Oburu Oginga, calling for the support of President William Ruto’s re-election.
Sifuna team’s quest to change the political narrative has excited a section of Kenyans. They have since coined the ‘Mimi/Sisi ndio Sifuna’ tagline to support of their activities.
“Zima hiyo kitu (extinguish that thing), cover it with a jacket, this meeting will not stop,” uttered Sifuna during the Linda Mwananchi rally when teargas was lobbed on the crowd in Kakamega.
Yesterday, political analyst Peter Kagwanja told The Standard the big question is whether ODM will hold as things were expected to unravel.
Kagwanja opined that with Sifuna, Babu and others, the alignments are clear that the country is looking at a younger generation, supported by some elderly members of the ODM like Orengo and others.
According to Kagwanja, ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and his team are in a hurry to seal deals, while Sifuna is becoming a symbol because he represents hope for the younger generation.
Communication lecturer Herman Manyora, a political commentator, says Sifuna’s side has captured the imagination of the nation, especially the youth.
“When you look around, there are many things that show that this is a moment like no other. This is just the beginning. What they have witnessed is like baptism by fire. They have not seen all yet; a lot more will come,” Manyora said.
According to Manyora, no government or State concedes power so easily and, therefore, Sifuna and his team should brace themselves for resistance.
“The State never concedes power. People push for power to reduce the power of the State, to make the State do certain things they may not be comfortable with,” he argued.
Yesterday, Sifuna said his team had to change their travel arrangements after traps were set against them.He insisted that the team will change the country by all means.
“By God’s grace and your prayers, the Linda Mwananchi team arrived safely in Nairobi,” he said in a statement posted on his social media pages.
“We need to hear from Kenya Airports Authority whether Kisumu is still an international airport and whether they can still guarantee the safety of all passengers transiting through there,” he added.
“This is not the sort of country we want to live in. We must change it. We will change it,” Sifuna said.
In their quest for a different political path, the team is being urged to brace themselves for harder times ahead for going against the tide, which has reportedly claimed two lives so far.
Amid harsh criticism of what has been described as indiscipline in ODM, Sifuna and team have ignored the naysayers.
“I am honoured to even know you, privileged that I get to learn at your feet, an inexplicable twist of history that I get to call you a comrade in a fight for a better Kenya, just like you did with my Uncle Lawrence. Mimi yangu ni kukuombea maisha marefu…History will be kind,” Sifuna said of Siaya governor James Orengo yesterday.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on his part, has been firm on the need for a revolution in the country, saying that even though they sent goons to attack them on Saturday, hoping to break their spirit and leave them in fear, they have made a choice that defines them.
“We refused to let hatred rewrite our humanity. We did not pay evil with evil because that is not who we are. So we reached out. We pulled them from the jaws of death. Not because they deserved our mercy, but because mercy is who we are. We chose compassion over revenge. We chose light over darkness. They came with violence. We responded with humanity. And that will always be our greatest strength,” Babu said.
“Goons sponsored by the government to attack us as we land. The airlines seem to have shared our tickets with goons, “ wrote Amisi, adding:
How safe are passengers? Can we then upgrade our Matulo airstrip in Webuye for the safety of all passengers and leave Kisumu airport to ‘two-term’ passengers only? We need answers from the airport authority.”
