Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general Edwin Sifuna has refuted media reports that there are divisions in the party over who should take over Raila Odinga’s role.

This was after reports appeared in local dailies on Thursday, February 22, 2024 about alleged divisions in ODM about the most suitable person to take over party leader position as Raila joins the race for African Union chairperson job.

In a statement on February 22, Sifuna noted that the media should be focused on the real issues affecting Kenyans and not fiction.

He termed the alleged divisions in the party as baseless fiction, aimed at tainting the image of ODM.

“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.

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“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,” read part of the ODM statement.

Sifana noted that media houses were using fake reports to create a perception of factional fights in ODM over non-existent vacancies.

According to Sifuna, who is also the Nairobi Senator,  ODM has remained the most consequential political organization in multiparty Kenya, since its inception.

“This is no mean feat but has been achieved by a strong leadership foundation, vibrant party structures, credible values, and a strong party membership base.

“These virtues form the basis upon which any succession or filling of vacant leadership positions is conducted. 

“If a time ever comes for transitions within the party’s leadership, we will make it public,” ODM noted in a statement.

The ODM secretary general emphasized that Raila Odinga, in seeking the AU position, has not made any pronouncements regarding his local political future, and remains the party leader.

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Additionally, he urged ODM members not to fall for the narratives currently being churned by the media. 

He insisted that the party is strong, focused on its mandate, and working for the masses in its role as the people’s watchman.

Meanwhile, the Nairobi Senator urged the media to focus on highlighting other major issues affecting Kenyans such as the high cost of living.

“We understand politics sells, especially anything revolving around the Rt Hon Odinga, but we urge that the media takes only the truth to the Market,” Sifuna stated. 

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He added that ODM is a publicly funded institution that has always run an open door and kept the media abreast of all events and programs.