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• Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo stated he was against efforts to remove Edwin Sifuna from his position as ODM secretary general, cautioning party leaders.
• Otiende stated that he personally warned Oburu Oginga before the Mombasa NEC meeting, but his counsel was disregarded.
• The politician maintained that he was committed to Raila Odinga’s goals, keeping his distance from opposing groups such as Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground.
• He revealed that only three NEC members were against Sifuna’s dismissal, including himself, Timothy Bosire, and Ruth Odinga.

Didacus Malowa, a reporter for .co.ke, has more than three years of expertise in reporting on politics and contemporary issues in Kenya.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has revealed the internal conflict that affected ODM prior to Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna’s removal as secretary general.

He confidently revealed that he was nearly the only one against the decision and had, days prior to the crucial Mombasa National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, personally cautioned party leader Oburu Oginga.

What was the reason Otiende resisted the removal of Edwin Sifuna?

On Friday, May 1, during a funeral service in Ndori village, located in the East Asembo Ward, Otiende stated that he personally urged Oburu Oginga to stop the initiative, claiming it was lacking both procedural basis and political insight.

The politician, a strong supporter of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, responded to increasing inquiries regarding his political position, especially his lack of involvement with opposing ODM-associated groups like Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground.

As per the MP, his stance is still where Raila left the party, maintaining that he has not changed sides or aligned with new factions.

“You question why I haven’t joined Linda Ground, why I haven’t joined Linda Mwananchi? Some people are asking me Otiende what is your position? I want you to know that from today, the reason Raila Amollo Odinga left me is where I still remain; I have not shifted to one side or the other,” the MP said.

Otiende proposed that the dissatisfaction among the Linda Mwananchi team arises from internal unfairness carried out by ODM members.

He added that he had expressed worries regarding these matters while still involved in party activities, asserting that his alerts were overlooked, which has led to the present situation.

“It’s due to the injustice they faced from our party members. They carried out this injustice while I was present, and I, Otiende K’Amollo, warned them, but they didn’t pay attention. I truly wanted to say this, even if you have your phone, you can record it and send it to anyone. I don’t have any fear,” Otiende shared.

What was the reaction of the ODM leaders to Sifuna’s warning?

Describing the events that preceded the contentious effort to remove Sifuna, the ODM vice chairperson revealed that he had a confidential meeting with Oburu just before the important party event in Mombasa.

At the meeting, he called for patience, warning that the proposed action could harm the party’s cohesion and reputation.

“When we visited Mombasa, they brought up the discussion about removing Sifuna, and it was just two days before that day when I met Oburu and informed him about what was going to happen, saying it would be bad. This action will harm us; it is not done properly, it is inappropriate, and there is nothing beneficial about it, only harm,” he said.

He also referenced previous discussions at the Ciala Resort, where he had urged party leaders to preserve unity based on the principle of “gather all, scatter none,” a recommendation that was ignored.

As per Otiende, when the issue was brought up in Mombasa, he remained firm and rejected the proposal, arguing that there was inadequate reason to support Sifuna’s dismissal.

He stated that among the 41 members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), only three leaders opposed the decision, namely himself, Timothy Bosire, and Ruth Odinga.

Although they raised concerns, the majority proceeded with the decision, ignoring the opinions of those who disagreed within the party.

“We were the sole ones who raised objections to that matter. The majority overpowered us, and they proceeded to remove him. Following his departure, has anything positive or negative occurred?” Otiende asked.