In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 23, Cherargei accused Sifuna of what he termed “professional political extortion,” arguing that his continued stay in ODM’s top leadership posed a threat to the cooperation between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“Omwami Sifuna, this line is famous with professional political extortionists. Your tenure as ODM Secretary General is now a liability and a threat to the broad-based government going into the future. You must be removed so that you are free to join the dis-united opposition. Hii vitisho baridi lazima itaisha tu,” Cherargei stated.
Cherargei’s remarks were in response to comments by Sifuna on ODM’s approach to the 2027 General Election. The ODM Secretary General had insisted that the party’s decision on its political direction would not be made by a few leaders at the top but through consultations with Kenyans at the grassroots.
“As members of ODM, we’ve said that the decision the party will take towards 2027 will not be made by a select group of leaders at the top. We will go to the ground and ask Kenyans what they want us to do,” Sifuna said.
This is not the first time Cherargei has called for Sifuna’s ouster. Previously, the Nandi Senator accused the Nairobi Senator of weakening ODM despite the party’s leadership committing to work with President William Ruto’s administration under the broad-based government framework.
Their earlier clash stemmed from Sifuna’s criticism of President Ruto’s development philosophy, particularly remarks suggesting leaders should prioritise developing their home regions once in power.
Sifuna questioned that approach, arguing that national priorities should take precedence over regional interests.
“Exactly the mentality that will get us to Singapore. Ati when you get power, you start with yourself. Do I want the road to my village tarmacked? Yes. But is it a national priority to be elevated over, say, Bomas-Kiserian? No. In 2027, get rid of these dealers who think starting with themselves is the measure of leadership,” Sifuna said at the time.
Cherargei has since maintained that such statements amount to sabotage of the broad-based government, insisting that Sifuna’s position in ODM leadership contradicts the spirit of cooperation between ODM and UDA.
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