Junet Mohamed Responds After Edwin Sifuna Apologises to Uhuru Kenyatta at Jirongo Burial
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed has issued a sharp public rebuke to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, deepening internal divisions within the opposition party following Sifuna’s apology to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The row erupted after Sifuna used the burial ceremony of former Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo in Kakamega County to publicly seek forgiveness from Uhuru over recent attacks directed at him by senior ODM figures. His remarks, delivered on Tuesday, December 30, have since triggered strong reactions from within the party’s leadership.
In a defiant social media post, Junet openly positioned himself against Sifuna, sarcastically embracing a label previously used by the ODM Secretary General to criticise party leaders who have taken aim at the former head of state.
“I shall be the spokesperson of the ‘WASHENZI’ Group in the Mighty ODM party. Without fear and favour, so help me God,” Junet wrote.
The Suna East MP went on to tag several influential ODM leaders in the post, including Homa Bay Governor and party chairperson Gladys Wanga, Mining Cabinet Secretary nominee Hassan Ali Joho, Mombasa MP Abdulswamad Nassir, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati—figures widely viewed as being critical of Uhuru’s recent political posture.
In a separate message, Junet appeared to challenge Sifuna’s broader political stance, insisting that Kenya’s democratic balance depends on ODM remaining outside government.
“And multiparty democracy thrives in Kenya only when ODM is in the opposition. The fools are few in Kenya,” he added.
Junet’s remarks were widely interpreted as a direct response to Sifuna’s comments at Jirongo’s burial, where the Nairobi Senator apologised to Uhuru on behalf of the party, acknowledging growing unease over the tone adopted by some ODM leaders towards the former president.
“Because I’m still the ODM Secretary General, I want, as the spokesperson, to apologise to you, Uhuru Kenyatta, and ask for forgiveness on behalf of our party for the insults you have been receiving from various ODM leaders,” Sifuna said.
He went on to accuse those attacking Uhuru of political ingratitude, recalling the former president’s backing of Raila Odinga during past presidential contests.
“They have forgotten the much support you offered Raila Odinga when he vied for the presidency. Now they want to cut the hand that fed them,” Sifuna added.
The ODM Secretary General also used the occasion to dismiss claims that he was attempting to align the party with Uhuru, instead accusing some party figures of quietly courting the administration of President William Ruto.
The dispute reflects simmering tensions within ODM following a series of public remarks by senior officials criticising Uhuru, who has recently been accused of attempting to influence internal party dynamics from outside.
Just days earlier, on December 28, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga had issued a warning while addressing a gathering in Homa Bay County attended by President Ruto. She accused the former president of using intermediaries to sow discord within the party.
“We have respect for President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, if you want to destroy the ODM party by sending wheeler-dealers to us, then we reject your plans,” Wanga said.
“We will not take that matter lightly, as we will deal with it perpendicularly.”
With senior figures now publicly trading barbs, the latest exchange highlights widening cracks within ODM as it grapples with questions over loyalty, leadership, and its future political direction ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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Junet Mohamed Responds After Edwin Sifuna Apologises to Uhuru Kenyatta at Jirongo Burial