Homa Bay town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has once again slammed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over his criticism of the broad-based government, threatening to have him ejected from the party.

Taking to social media on Sunday, the outspoken MP criticised Sifuna's continued pointed criticism of the government, insisting that Sifuna's role as the ODM's Secretary General required him to advocate for party positions like the contentious Memorandum of Understanding the party signed with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

According to Kaluma, ejecting Sifuna out of the party would be easy, and they had already replaced Ababu Namwamba, stating, "You can’t be eating and vomiting at the same time. You are not more articulate than Namwamba." 

"We will not allow you to insult the Experts again - Never ever oppose Hon. Mbadi and Hon. Wandayi. The targeted criticism of the sons of Nyanza serving in the government must stop! You either shape up or ship out!" He added.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma at a press event in 2017.

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ODM

Pointing out the senator's continued attacks on ODM members in the cabinet, including Treasury's John Mbadi and Energy's Opiyo Wandayi, Kaluma reminded Sifuna that he could not keep enjoying the fruits of the MoU and not support it publicly.

The MP, therefore, told Sifuna that he needed to take a clear stance, aligning with the party's position because the party had already received several benefits by "being in the government".

"My brother Sifuna must know we made him Secretary of the ODM party to speak on resolved party positions such as the Memorandum of Understanding between UDA and ODM, which lays the foundation for the broad-based government," he stated.

"You can’t support the MoU and attack the BBG at the same time, my friend! In which government are you, if not the Government of Kenya? Who do you think you can dupe that ODM is not in government when the Party holds all those critical Ministries and Departments of Government?"

Even before the MoU, which cemented the collaboration between the two party leaders, Sifuna was still criticising the Kenya Kwanza government, holding onto the party's initial opposition stance.

Several ODM officials, including Party Leader Raila Odinga, have since called him out on his utterances, especially due to his position as the secretary general.

''The spokesman of the party is usually the secretary general, so when Mr Sifuna speaks, he speaks on behalf of the party. But Mr Sifuna, sometimes tone down a bit," Raila told Sifuna during the funeral of Kasipul MP Charles Were.

''As members of ODM, we must remain steadfast and edify ODM as a strong political party. Yes, in a political party, there are always differences in opinions on some issues, but the party must have a firm stand on the issues; people must talk, but ultimately, there is an official position that will be articulated by the party."

A photo of Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General speaking at Kamukunji Grounds at ODM's Recruitment Drive February 4

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Edwin Sifuna