Gladys Wanga Dispels Rumours of Sifuna’s Impending Expulsion From ODM

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson Gladys Wanga has dismissed claims of the party's intentions to expel Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from ODM after missing the recently held Central Committee.

Speaking on Tuesday, January 13, during an interview onRamogi TV, Wanga maintained that ODM was a democratic party and thatSifuna's divergent opinions do not warrant his dismissal.

Wanga insisted that individual opinions within the party are allowed, noting that the lawmaker's views regarding the broad-based arrangement do not amount to misconduct.

"ODM is a democratic party. Anyone at the party is allowed to have their own opinion," Wanga said, adding that discipline only comes into play once the party has reached a binding and collective decision.

She went ahead to question the basis of calls to expel Sifuna from the party, asking what wrongdoing the ODM Secretary General had committed that could warrant such action.

"Anyone in the party is allowed to have their opinion, but once the party makes a binding decision, then it should be followed. We are not chasing anyone away from the party. What has Sifuna done wrong to be sent away?" she questioned.

Addressing concerns about absenteeism at the meeting, Wanga explained that it was unfair to accuse people of skipping meetings without understanding the circumstances.

She noted that Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi requested permission to be absent because he is currently in South Africa on official duty with the Senate Liaison Committee.

"I have spoken to him several times while he has been in South Africa. He told me he would be coming back this week. He is on official duty and cannot suspend his journey to attend the meeting," Wanga said.

Addressing Sifuna's absence from the crucial meeting, Wanga revealed that the ODM Secretary General sent an apology explaining that he had missed his flight, resulting inhis absence from the meeting.

Wanga further clarified that the meeting of the Central Committee was not affected despite the duo's absence, noting that as long as the quorum is met, the meeting can proceed.

"Sifuna also sent an apology saying he missed his flight, so we cannot do a follow-up on that because it is something that happens to anyone. As long as the meeting has a quorum," she added.