Junet Mohamed responds to Sifuna remarks on broad-based MPs

Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed has appeared to play down remarks by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna that described MPs supporting the Broad-Based Government as “washenzi”.

In a post on his X account, the Suna East MP said he would take the label in stride, stating that he would act as a spokesperson for what he termed the “Washenzi” group within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). In the same post, Junet tagged Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.

Junet was responding to comments made by Sifuna during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda on Tuesday.

At the event, Sifuna apologised to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying his name had been drawn into internal disputes.

“On behalf of the ‘washenzi’ in the ODM party, I want to apologise for the insults directed at you by some leaders who have forgotten the work you did to help the late Baba become president,” Sifuna said.

The remarks have prompted varied reactions from ODM leaders, reflecting differing views within the party on its cooperation with the government.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, in a post on his X account, challenged Sifuna and like-minded leaders to leave ODM and join the United Opposition associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Kaluma reiterated his support for the Broad-Based Government, citing what he described as its development agenda.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi also criticised Sifuna’s comments, particularly those questioning development projects under the Broad-Based arrangement.

In his X post, Mbadi said the party should shift focus from political contestation to economic progress, adding that political liberation had already been achieved.

Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera defended ODM’s decision to support President William Ruto’s administration, describing it as a strategic choice.

He argued that opposition politics can be politically attractive but may not always translate into tangible development outcomes, calling for what he termed pragmatic engagement in government for the benefit of communities.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, an ODM deputy party leader, said political coalitions were a feature of contemporary politics and should not be viewed as a betrayal of principles.

He emphasised dialogue over confrontation and maintained that all political actors were entitled to express their views without being labelled or dismissed.

The exchanges highlight ongoing internal debate within ODM over strategy, engagement with government, and the party’s future political direction.