Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has reignited debate around coalition politics after issuing a pointed statement on the party’s principles and the kind of partners it is willing to engage.
Speaking during a recent interview with a local TV station, Sifuna said ODM’s approach to alliances is firmly grounded in shared values, which he attributed to the teachings of party leader Raila Odinga.
“We have been taught by Raila himself that we only have conversations about coalitions with parties that bear similar values like us,” Sifuna said.
He went on to challenge the idea of engaging with groups he believes act against democratic ideals, using a series of rhetorical questions to underline his position.
“Would Raila tear gas a church? That is the question you should ask yourself before you sit down with someone who tear-gasses churches regularly,” he remarked.
Sifuna also raised concerns about what he described as excessive use of force by authorities, saying such actions contradict ODM’s long-standing principles.
“Would Raila countenance a situation where we’re killing people in the police sense? Those are not the values of ODM,” he stated.
The ODM official further accused some political actors of undermining democratic institutions and freedoms, warning that the party would not compromise on its core beliefs for political convenience.
“Would Raila sit down with people who don’t believe in democracy, who are dismantling it every single day?” Sifuna asked.
“People who don’t believe in individual freedom and social justice, would those be partners he would sit down with?”
His remarks come at a time when coalition talks and political realignments are gaining momentum across the country, with parties weighing potential partnerships ahead of future electoral contests.
Sifuna’s statements signal ODM’s intention to prioritize ideology and values over numerical strength, positioning the party as one that seeks alliances based on shared commitments to democracy, social justice, and individual freedoms rather than short-term political gains.
The comments have since sparked discussion among supporters and critics alike, highlighting the ongoing national conversation about the role of values in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
