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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24279, member: 2262"] ODM Party Backs Sifuna's Criticism of Members Supporting Government. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has supported Secretary General Edwin Sifuna's recent criticism of party members who favor the broad-based government. Sifuna spoke out against ODM leaders who he claims have abandoned the party's core mission of defending Kenyan citizens. "Some members in ODM have forgotten our origins. They say they are tired of fighting for Kenyans and weren't born to remain in opposition," Sifuna stated on January 26. The Nairobi senator challenged dissatisfied members to leave the party. His comments drew criticism from President William Ruto's supporters, who suggested Sifuna should exit ODM if he disagreed with its current direction. ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong'wen defended Sifuna in a Monday interview. "He has performed his duties with diligence in expressing party positions," Ong'wen said, dismissing claims that Sifuna's tenure will soon end. President Ruto had brought several ODM leaders into his broad-based government after he withdrew the unpopular Finance Bill, 2024, which had sparked public resistance. At former KNCHR chair Roseline Odede's funeral on January 18, Sifuna emphasized opposition leaders' duty to challenge authority. He stated he had party leader Raila Odinga's support to maintain ODM's role as a public defender during Odinga's campaign for African Union Commission chairmanship. "I will return the party to you unchanged," Sifuna promised Odinga. "When things are wrong, I will speak up," he added, stating his commitment to continue voicing concerns despite pressure. [/QUOTE]

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