By Eddah Waithaka
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna fired back at his own party on Thursday, declaring that he remains the validly elected Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement and challenging his accusers to meet him in court.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on February 12, a day after the party’s National Executive Committee resolved to relieve him of his duties, Sifuna rejected the decision as illegal and slammed the process that led to his ouster.
“I was not given a chance to defend myself,” he said, insisting the NEC action violated party procedures.Sifuna vowed to continue defending ODM and its founding ideals despite the vote against him.
“Whatever actions I take, I will do so knowing that I have never let down my leader, Raila,” he said. “We shall fight for ODM; surrender is not an option for us. I remain a loyal member and the duly elected Secretary General of ODM.”
He described the accusations against him as defamatory and directly challenged governors and other leaders who alleged misconduct to produce evidence.
“This is a coordinated war against me. You people know me and my work,” Sifuna said. “Those governors making those allegations, we will meet them in court because it is very defamatory. If I have ever extorted you, bring the evidence for Kenyans to see.”
The Senator rejected the notion that the NEC could nullify his position through its resolution.“I am still the SG of ODM. We will go to that NDC. We are still members of NDC; these are delegates of ODM. No one can kick us out of the party,” he said.
Sifuna also addressed claims that he confused party positions with personal opinions, defending his right to speak freely.
“Those who have made accusations against me should come and explain how I confused party position with my own opinion,” he said.
“I do not think it is correct to say that I do not have a right to a personal opinion. Raila told them that everyone in ODM, irrespective of the position, has a right to speak their mind.”
EALA MP Winnie Odinga, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo attended the briefing in a show of support.
