Cracks in orange party widens as Sifuna, Babu skip UDA-ODM talks

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna (second right) and Embakasi East MP Paul Babu Owino during a past Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting. [File, Standard] ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna was among legislators who skipped the first broad-based parliamentary group meeting held on Monday. Also absent were Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi. The latter, however, said he had sent an apology, citing ongoing examinations. Speaking at the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) annual conference last week, Sifuna said he had to choose between attending the parliamentary meeting or the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay. Sifuna, who has been an outspoken critic of President William Ruto's administration, has voiced opposition to ODM's current working arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza government, despite members of the party serving in the Cabinet. Last month, the Nairobi Senator publicly declared the agreement between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) "dead", arguing it had failed to uphold its original objectives and had become nothing more than a political public relations stunt. During the LSK conference, Sifuna also challenged President Ruto over his recent claims that Members of Parliament are being influenced through bribes. "I want the President to tell the country who these people are-those who go to Cabinet Secretaries or governors asking for money. Personally, I had already taken a public position on [former Deputy President] Rigathi Gachagua before the impeachment motion. Are you saying I needed to be paid for something I already made up my mind on?" he posed. Sifuna argued that parliamentary committees should be scrutinised first. "Almost all the committees in Parliament are led by members of the President's party. He should first convene a parliamentary group meeting with his own team before summoning ODM MPs," he added. When he was admitted to the roll of advocates of the High Court in May, Owino, who has consistently criticised the government, said his entry into the legal profession marked the continuation of his mission to defend the underprivileged. "The Government should brace itself for more lethal arguments in defence of Kenyans-both in Parliament and now in court. Expect legal action aimed at lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and holding systems accountable," he said. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi used social media to respond to Ruto's claims of corruption in Parliament. "Listening to the President talk about corruption only shows that hypocrisy needs to be redefined. It will take decades for the new generation to reset Kenya. What this country needs is a renaissance," Amisi posted. A week ago, the trio-Sifuna, Owino, and Amisi-held a meeting at a Nairobi hotel alongside Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, sparking speculation about a political realignment. The legislators did not disclose the agenda of the meeting. "I had to take a moment from my study leave to join colleagues in discussing the future of our country. From our discussions, I'm hopeful that Kenya shall achieve the much-needed renaissance. Great minds discuss ideas," Amisi later said. This set of youthful leaders-including Mumias East MP Peter Salasya and Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata-were also recently seen together in Murang'a, where conversations around the formation of a youthful political coalition emerged. "Leaders have abandoned the core issues of industrialisation and job creation, which were the pillars of our forefathers' vision. But Kang'ata is on the right track. That is why Kang'ata, Babu, and I need to join forces to form a political movement that can liberate this country," said Salasya.

Cracks in orange party widens as Sifuna, Babu skip UDA-ODM talks

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