ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has criticised EALA MP David Ole Sankok for discussing the potential exit of Raila Odinga from the opposition party, now that the former premier has declared his candidacy for the position of African Union Commission Chairperson.
Raila’s surprise announcement has sparked wide debate about his political future as the bid technically removes him from Kenya’s political scene, requiring him to serve until 2028 and distance himself from local politics.
Sifuna’s remarks came after Sankok, during an event in Narok County on Friday, asserted that he’d rally East African heads of state behind Raila’s bid, further stating that by doing so he would be returning the favour to the opposition for their assistance in his pursuit for the EALA MP position.
Sankok further suggested that supporting Raila’s candidacy would virtually ensure that the Kenya Kwanza government stays in power even beyond the 2027 elections.
“Azimio wakiongozwa na ndugu yangu Sifuna waliweza kunipatia kura kabisa kwa sababu hao ndio wapiga kura wangu wabunge ili niende East Africa Legislative Assembly. Kwa nia yao walikuwa wananideport to Arusha na kwa hiyo pia I want to reciprocate,” he said.
“Pia mimi nitafanya juu chini kuongelesha viongozi wa Africa mashariki mzima ili tuweze kudeport Raila aende Addis Ababa ili pia vile mimi niliwacha siasa ya kijiji huku nyumbani pia Raila anaweza kuwachana na local politics and you will know what that will do to our 2027 political equation,” he said.
Sankok’s casual remarks however did not sit well with Nairobi Senator Sifuna who scolded the legislator for attending the local event particularly given that the MP had earlier stated that his EALA mandate required him to distance himself from local politics.
“Rafiki yangu Sankok wewe unasema nilikupigia kura uende Arusha…unafanya nini kwa vijiji? Nilikutuma Arusha nikijua unaenda kutetea Wamaasai kule Arusha,” said Sifuna.
While urging Sankok Sankok to prioritize his EALA mandate instead of becoming involved in alleged ODM succession politics, Sifuna emphasized that Raila would continue to lead ODM even if he secures the AU Chairmanship position.
“Sijawahi sikia ukiongea mambo ya Ngorongoro lakini leo kwa sababu umeskia Sifuna amekuja Narok unatuambia unatuma Baba Addis Ababa. Masaa ambayo inachukua mtu kutoka Nairobi na barabara kufika hapa Narok ni the same na ndege ambayo inatoka Addis Ababa kufika Nairobi. Hakuna mahali baba anaenda!”
