Sifuna made the apology on Tuesday, December 30, during the burial ceremony of former Lugari MP and businessman Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County.
The event was attended by several national leaders, including Uhuru himself.
Addressing mourners, Sifuna said it was unfortunate that some ODM leaders had turned against the former president despite the critical role he played during the 2022 General Election, when he backed Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.
Speaking partly in Kiswahili, Sifuna stated that as the ODM Secretary General, he still remains the official spokesperson of the party and felt compelled to express regret over what he termed as ungrateful attacks directed at Uhuru by members of the Orange party.
He reminded ODM leaders that Uhuru stood firmly with Raila Odinga during the 2022 campaign, describing that period as one of the most decisive political moments for the party.
According to Sifuna, those who were present during the campaign understood the sacrifices Uhuru made, and it was wrong to dismiss that history.
The Nairobi senator further criticised party leaders who have been openly attacking Uhuru, warning that such conduct damages the party’s image and undermines its values.
He used a Luhya proverb to caution against turning against someone who once offered support, saying it was wrong to “cut the hand that once fed you.”
Sifuna’s remarks appeared to be aimed at calming tensions within ODM, which have intensified since the party entered into a broad-based working arrangement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The cooperation has split opinion within the party, with some leaders supporting engagement with the government while others remain suspicious of its long-term intentions.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya also weighed in on the matter, defending Uhuru and urging ODM leaders to stop focusing on past political rivalries.
Salasya questioned why the former president had become a constant target of criticism and advised ODM members to concentrate on delivering results within the current political framework.
Salasya argued that ODM should focus on what it intends to achieve under the broad-based arrangement rather than attacking leaders who are no longer in active politics.
He said Uhuru deserved respect and space, having stepped aside from the political spotlight after completing his term in office.
However, the apology and calls for restraint contrast sharply with recent statements made by ODM’s top leadership.
Party chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, alongside National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, has accused Uhuru of attempting to interfere with ODM’s internal affairs.
Over the weekend, while speaking at a public event in Homa Bay attended by President Ruto, Wanga accused Uhuru of allegedly sponsoring individuals within ODM to cause confusion and divisions.
Over the weekend, while speaking at a public event in Homa Bay attended by President Ruto, Wanga accused Uhuru of allegedly sponsoring individuals within ODM to cause confusion and divisions.
She warned that the party would not tolerate what she described as deliberate attempts to destabilise it.
Wanga insisted that while ODM respects Uhuru as a former president, it would firmly resist any external interference, especially at a time when the party is navigating a delicate political arrangement with the ruling coalition.
Wanga insisted that while ODM respects Uhuru as a former president, it would firmly resist any external interference, especially at a time when the party is navigating a delicate political arrangement with the ruling coalition.
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