Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chief executive Oduor Ong’wen has defended Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, following mounting criticism over his persistent objection to the party’s political collaboration with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Ong’wen maintained that Sifuna, in his capacity as Secretary General, remains the official mouthpiece of the party and is tasked with communicating its official position on critical national matters.

He stated that Sifuna is not only entitled to represent ODM but also has the right to voice personal opinions – a freedom Ong’wen said is “enshrined in any functioning democracy”.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Ong’wen clarified that no official complaint has been submitted by any member calling for Sifuna’s ouster. He added that, in the event of such an occurrence, ODM would address it strictly in line with its internal democratic processes.

Reinforcing the party’s stance on recent incidents across the country, Ong’wen said: “The ODM party does not support the recent wave of abductions and killings that have rocked the nation. Such actions are unacceptable and must be condemned.”

His statement sought to dispel internal tensions and speculation while affirming cohesion within the party’s top leadership.

Ong’wen’s comments follow remarks made by Sifuna during an interview on Citizen TV’s The Explainer on Tuesday night, where the Nairobi Senator admitted the party was plagued by internal inconsistencies.

Sifuna said ODM was battling “confusion and internal contradictions”, leaving its members – and the public – uncertain about the party’s ideological direction.

“Right now, there is a lot of confusion. I have told my party leader that there was a time when it was very easy to be the SG of ODM… You would wake me up in the middle of the night and ask me anything because we agreed that you can compromise on tactics, but you can never compromise on your values,” Sifuna said.

“There are things that ODM stands for. When you ask me my position on devolution or rights under Article 37, I would give you the answer straight away. But right now, there is a lot of confusion because I come to this show and I struggle to explain that we are the same political party.”

During the interview, Sifuna also declared the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and UDA “dead”, following the recent death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.

“On the day that Albert Ojwang dies in a police cell, to me this agreement is dead. Because it doesn’t matter what else you do, Albert will not be able to enjoy that,” he said, arguing that the pact had failed in principle and spirit.

However, Sifuna’s remarks drew criticism from Treasury Cabinet Secretary and former ODM Chairman John Mbadi, who accused him of making “divisive” comments and reminded him of party hierarchy.

“Between the party leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” Mbadi posed, asserting Raila Odinga’s ultimate authority in ODM affairs.

He further stated that the inclusion of ODM members in the Kenya Kwanza Cabinet followed full consultations between Odinga and President William Ruto.

“I’m glad he clarified those are his personal opinions,” Mbadi added, distancing the party from Sifuna’s recent statements.