Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has urged party leaders to exercise caution when making public political remarks, warning that such statements could damage the opposition party’s reputation.
The caution follows recent comments by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who sparked debate by suggesting that public participation in development projects should be eliminated, arguing it creates unnecessary delays.
While speaking in Taita Taveta during an event with President William Ruto, Junet remarked, “Serikali inachaguliwa ndio ilete maendeleo kwa nchi…lakini kama serikali ikitaka kufanya kazi yake inawekewa vikwazo.”
The following day, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Devki Iron Processing Project, Junet reiterated his stance, aligning the opposition with certain Kenya Kwanza policies.
He added, “Mambo ya Affordable Housing, na mengi yalikuwa katika manifesto yetu na sisi kama upinzani tumesema kama mambo ilikuwa katika manifesto yetu, hakuna kitu ya kupinga.”
Addressing the controversy, Junet dismissed criticism, asserting, “Mdomo ni yangu, siasa ni yangu. Nasema my politics, my choice.”
Sifuna, however, distanced the party from Junet’s comments, stressing that they do not represent ODM’s official position.
“When a leader like Junet makes a statement, it can easily be misconstrued as ODM’s position due to his role in the party and Parliament.
While leaders can express personal opinions, they must do so responsibly,” said Sifuna.
He reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to public participation and vowed to safeguard the party’s values.
“I must clarify that ODM strongly supports public participation and the people’s interests.
As Secretary General, it is my duty to protect ODM’s image and correct misrepresentations,” he added.
Sifuna also criticized recent statements by former ODM Deputy Party Leader Ali Hassan Joho, now Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.
Joho had called out social media critics of the government as unpatriotic, warning of potential repercussions for such posts.
Sifuna condemned the remarks, stating that even ODM leader Raila Odinga has faced online criticism without retaliating against citizens.
He hinted at plans to summon Joho to Parliament to explain his statements.
“Threatening citizens for expressing dissent undermines democratic values. Leaders must respect freedom of speech,” Sifuna said.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, head of ODM’s Disaster Response Committee, defended both Joho and Junet, highlighting their roles in their respective capacities.
Oketch explained that Joho, now part of the Kenya Kwanza government, is expected to align with its policies.
He also argued that Junet’s remarks were consistent with his role as an opposition leader navigating shared policy goals.
However, Oketch cautioned all leaders, including the President, against making statements or showcasing wealth in ways that might provoke unrest among citizens, especially the youth.
“Leaders must avoid arrogance and divisive rhetoric that could reignite tensions like those seen earlier this year,” he said.
