There's no division in ODM over Raila's bid for AU job, Sifuna says

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. [File, Standard]

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has not made any statement regarding his political future despite quest for a position in the African Union, the party has said.

In a statement on Thursday, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna accused the media of false narratives on succession politics within the ODM party.

"In the days following the announcement by our Party Leader, H.E. Rt Hon Raila Odinga, of his desire to contest the African Union Commission Chairmanship, the media in Kenya has been awash with false narratives and skewed pseudo-analysis about what they call succession politics within the ODM party. It hasn't escaped notice that these fake news items appear coordinated, well-choreographed, and consistent, which suggests a well-woven plot to incite division within the Party is afoot," Sifuna stated.

"In these reports, media houses are falling over themselves to create the perception of factional fights in our party over non-existent vacancies. Since its inception, the ODM party has remained the most consequential political organization in multiparty Kenya," said Sifuna.

Odinga is seeking to replace former Chad Prime Minister Moussa Faki as the new African Union Commission chairperson in 2025.

This, Sifuna says, does not mean there are any vacancies in the ODM party.

"May it go on record that H.E. Rt Hon Raila Odinga, in seeking the AU position, has not made any pronouncements regarding his local political future, and remains the Party Leader of ODM. We urge our members not to fall for the narratives currently being churned by the media," Sifuna stated.

"The party remains strong, focused on its mandate, and working for the masses in its role as the people's watchman," he added.