Junet Responds to Sifuna After Being Trolled, Names Members of "Washenzi" Branch of ODM, Its Speaker

Junet Mohamed has made a bold move amid growing tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The Suna East MP has fired back at party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, declaring himself the spokesperson for the newly dubbed "Washenzi" faction.

The term, a Swahili word for "fools" or "uncivilized," was used by Sifuna during the burial ceremony of the late Cyrus Jirongo to mock section of ODM leaders who had said Sifuna and his camp want to sell the party to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and keep them in the opposition.

Junet, in a post on X, embraced the label, tagging key allies including Hassan Ali Joho, Gladys Wanga, Ali S. Nassir, and George Simba Arati as members of this "Washenzi" group.

Note the mentioned leaders are supporting formation of a coalition with the ruling UDA party ahead of the 2027 elections. 

They are also being accused of trying to sell ODM to President William Ruto.

"I shall be the spokesperson of the ‘Washenzi’ group in the Mighty ODM party. Without fear and favor. His help me!" he wrote.

The move comes as ODM grapples with internal divisions, with some accusing Junet of aligning with President Ruto’s allies, while others urge unity.

Social media reactions range from support for preserving the party to sharp criticism, highlighting the fragile state of ODM as it navigates its future without its iconic leader, Raila Odinga.