Speaking before a gathering of top opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Sifuna made explosive claims that have reignited long-standing disagreements over how the Azimio la Umoja campaign was run, particularly in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Sifuna accused Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who played a central role in Raila Odinga’s 2022 campaign, of negligence and alleged misuse of campaign resources.
His remarks have sparked intense debate within ODM and the wider opposition, reopening wounds that many believed had begun to heal.
According to Sifuna, former President Uhuru Kenyatta played a critical role in boosting Raila’s performance in Mt Kenya, both financially and logistically.
He dismissed claims that Uhuru’s involvement was insignificant, saying the former president’s support directly translated into votes.
“For the first time, Baba Raila Odinga received more than one million votes in Mt Kenya,” Sifuna said.
“That did not happen by accident. It was because Uhuru Kenyatta supported the campaign financially and materially.”
However, Sifuna alleged that despite this support, critical failures occurred at the operational level. He claimed that funds meant to facilitate party agents and protect votes were mismanaged, leading to weak oversight at polling stations on election day.
Without providing detailed evidence, Sifuna questioned why Uhuru Kenyatta’s contribution later became a subject of criticism within the party.
However, Sifuna alleged that despite this support, critical failures occurred at the operational level. He claimed that funds meant to facilitate party agents and protect votes were mismanaged, leading to weak oversight at polling stations on election day.
Without providing detailed evidence, Sifuna questioned why Uhuru Kenyatta’s contribution later became a subject of criticism within the party.
He accused Junet Mohamed of failing to ensure that party agents were properly deployed and paid, a lapse he suggested may have cost Raila crucial votes.
The claims have put Junet, who was one of Raila’s closest allies during the campaign, at the centre of renewed scrutiny.
The claims have put Junet, who was one of Raila’s closest allies during the campaign, at the centre of renewed scrutiny.
Junet has previously defended his role, maintaining that the campaign faced enormous logistical challenges across the country.
Backing Sifuna’s remarks was Martha Karua, Raila Odinga’s former running mate. Karua said Junet had been entrusted with nearly all campaign coordination responsibilities, including the recruitment and management of party agents.
“Baba trusted Junet with almost everything,” Karua said. “If there is anyone with more information, let them speak. Let the truth come out.”
Karua further revealed that several candidates had raised concerns after the election, complaining that the names of party agents were either changed or missing altogether at some polling stations. Such irregularities, she suggested, weakened the campaign’s ability to safeguard votes.
She also admitted that her own ability to monitor the campaign was limited by time and geography. Karua said she joined the Azimio ticket just two and a half months before the election and spent much of that period moving between regions, with a heavy focus on Mt Kenya while also supporting national campaign efforts.
The renewed debate has exposed lingering divisions within ODM, especially as the party continues to navigate a post-Raila leadership transition.
Backing Sifuna’s remarks was Martha Karua, Raila Odinga’s former running mate. Karua said Junet had been entrusted with nearly all campaign coordination responsibilities, including the recruitment and management of party agents.
“Baba trusted Junet with almost everything,” Karua said. “If there is anyone with more information, let them speak. Let the truth come out.”
Karua further revealed that several candidates had raised concerns after the election, complaining that the names of party agents were either changed or missing altogether at some polling stations. Such irregularities, she suggested, weakened the campaign’s ability to safeguard votes.
She also admitted that her own ability to monitor the campaign was limited by time and geography. Karua said she joined the Azimio ticket just two and a half months before the election and spent much of that period moving between regions, with a heavy focus on Mt Kenya while also supporting national campaign efforts.
The renewed debate has exposed lingering divisions within ODM, especially as the party continues to navigate a post-Raila leadership transition.
While some leaders argue that revisiting 2022 is necessary for accountability and reform, others fear that public blame games could weaken party unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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