ODM addresses reports of succession battle over Raila’s AU Commission job bid.
ODM addresses reports of succession battle over Raila’s AU Commission job bid: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has come out to rubbish reports of division following Raila Odinga’s announcement of his intention to run for African Union Commission chairperson.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, in a statement released on Thursday, pointed an accusing finger at unnamed parties over media reports on the issue.
Sifuna termed reports of a succession battle within the opposition amid an allegedly looming Raila exit as nothing but coordinated “fake news.”
He stated, “In the days following the announcement by our party leader Raila Odinga of his desire to contest the African Union Commission Chairmanship, the media in Kenya has been awash with false narratives and skewed pseudo-analysis about what they call succession politics within the ODM party,”
“It hasn’t escaped notice that these fake news items appear coordinated, well-choreographed, and consistent, which suggests a well-woven plot to incite division within the party is afoot.”
He added: “In these reports, media houses are falling over themselves to create the perception of factional fights in our party over non-existent vacancies.”
The ODM Secretary General went ahead to state that Raila Odinga has not mentioned any desire to step aside from the party’s activities.
He intimated that Raila’s AUC Chairmanship and his position as the ODM party leader are not interlinked, hence noting that there exists no leadership vacancy at the party.
Sifuna stated, “If a time ever comes for transitions within the party’s leadership, we will make it public. May it go on record that Raila Odinga, in seeking the AU position, has not made any pronouncements regarding his local political future, and remains the party leader of ODM.”
“We urge our members not to fall for the narratives currently being churned by the media. The party remains strong, focused on its mandate, and working for the masses in its role as the people’s watchman. The biggest issue afflicting Kenyans today is the high cost of living and not party political succession.”
He added: “We understand politics sells, especially anything revolving around the Odinga, but we urge that the media takes only the truth to the Market. As a publicly funded institution, ODM has always run an open door and kept the media abreast of all events and programs we conduct. Should the media require credible news from us, they just need to ask.”
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