ODM Hits Back at Reports on Raila’s Retirement From Local Politics
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has fired back at Daily Nation after the publication ran a story claiming the party’s leader has stepped away from politics.
In a statement from Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, ODM criticized the story, accusing the media outlet of trying to spark imaginary divisions within the party.
Sifuna labeled the article, titled *Raila Retires: 17 Years of Grit, Endurance at the Helm of ODM*, as an odd attempt to prematurely end the political legacy of the party leader.
“The Nation article is a blatant attempt to sow discord among ODM supporters and stir unnecessary chaos within the party,” said Sifuna.
He emphasized that Raila Odinga remains the leader of ODM.
“Raila has repeatedly informed the public that he will be running for the position of African Union Commission chairman in the elections set for February 2025,” Sifuna confirmed.
“As it stands, neither Odinga nor ODM has made any official announcement about his retirement from party leadership.”
Kenyans were urged to question the publication’s motives and scrutinize the accuracy of its reporting.
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Additionally, ODM called on the media outlet to uphold professionalism and provide clear explanations regarding the controversial report.
Sifuna’s remarks follow internal rifts within the Azimio coalition over Odinga’s successor, with President William Ruto recently endorsing Raila’s candidacy.
On August 29, National Assembly Majority Leader Junet Mohamed responded to claims from Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who declared himself as the new opposition leader, replacing Odinga.
Junet criticized Kalonzo for self-appointing the role, pointing out that the constitution does not currently recognize an official opposition leader in Kenya.
Junet further noted that the government has not yet implemented the office of the opposition leader as proposed in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
“I heard our colleagues claiming that ODM members are now in government while they assume the mantle of opposition leadership,” Junet said.
“However, the constitution does not outline any specific role for an opposition leader. We, as the minority in parliament, will collaborate with Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to establish the office of an official opposition leader.”
ODM Hits Back at Reports on Raila’s Retirement From Local Politics
