Speaking in a recent interview, Barasa claimed that Sifuna lobbied behind the scenes to be included in the list of proposed Cabinet secretaries when talks to form a unity government between President William Ruto’s UDA and Raila Odinga’s ODM began earlier this year.
“Sifuna even approached me personally, asking that I help push his name forward to secure the Cabinet post,” Barasa alleged. “He wanted in on the deal, but when his name was dropped, he turned around and became the loudest critic of the government.”
Barasa claimed that Sifuna’s name was among those initially fronted by ODM, but was removed at the last minute to accommodate former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya in an effort to balance regional representation within the Luhya community.
According to Barasa, ODM leaders felt it was politically unwise to nominate two individuals from the same community.
The outspoken MP went further to accuse Sifuna of allegedly sponsoring legal efforts to derail Oparanya’s appointment, citing pending investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
However, Raila reportedly stood firm behind Oparanya, saying no other candidate from the region would be considered.
Barasa described Sifuna’s conduct since the Cabinet appointments as bitter and hypocritical, adding that his fierce criticism of the unity government stems from personal disappointment.
“If Sifuna’s name had been selected, he would be defending this government until Jesus comes back,” he said.
The allegations have sparked debate within ODM, with a section of leaders questioning Sifuna’s loyalty to the party's evolving strategy.
Some MPs, including Homa Bay Town’s Peter Kaluma and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, have publicly disagreed with Sifuna's harsh stance against the Kenya Kwanza government.
On the other hand, youthful ODM lawmakers such as Babu Owino and Caleb Amisi have rallied behind Sifuna, calling for a reassessment of the party’s involvement in the current government arrangement.
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