Fresh political claims have emerged after Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi alleged that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna attempted to secure the powerful Interior Cabinet Secretary position during the formation of the 2024 broad-based government but was unsuccessful.
Speaking during an interview on NTV Kenya on Thursday, February 19, the outspoken United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lawmaker claimed that Sifuna’s criticism of the political cooperation between ODM and UDA is rooted in frustration after missing out on the Cabinet slot.
According to Wamumbi, as negotiations intensified around the formation of the broad-based government, Sifuna reportedly expressed interest in becoming Interior CS.
However, the request was allegedly declined by former ODM leader Raila Odinga, who is said to have felt the Nairobi senator was not ready for the demanding docket at the time.
Wamumbi further argued that Sifuna’s dissatisfaction with the current political arrangement stems from disappointment over not being among the ODM figures who secured Cabinet appointments under President William Ruto’s administration.
The Mathira MP suggested that the senator’s vocal opposition to the ODM-UDA working relationship is influenced by personal political interests rather than ideological differences.
Sifuna has in recent months intensified his criticism of the evolving political landscape, particularly regarding cooperation talks involving ODM and UDA.
His outspoken stance reportedly contributed to internal party tensions, eventually leading to leadership wrangles within ODM.
Despite the claims, Sifuna has maintained his firm political position and continues to address supporters in separate forums, signaling deepening divisions within the opposition ranks.
The allegations by Wamumbi are likely to fuel further debate within Kenya’s political scene as alignments ahead of future elections continue to take shape.
