Tuju is not our man, Sifuna tells DP Ruto

By Raphael Ocholla

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, has refuted claims by Deputy President William Ruto that Jubilee Party Secretary General, Raphael Tuju, is Raila Odinga’s political strategist.

Speaking in Migori County on Monday, July 15, Mr Sifuna said a section of Jubilee leaders allied to DP Ruto are “spreading propaganda” at the expense of “serving Kenyans with dignity”.

The 2017 candidate in the Nairobi senatorial race said ODM has the best minds in form of advisors to Mr Odinga, and that it would be meaningless to have Mr Tuju on board.

“We are satisfied with the political advisors we have in ODM, and I see no need of roping in Mr Tuju, who is a member of another political outfit,” said Mr Sifuna.

Mr Sifuna’s remarks come barely two days after DP Ruto faulted Mr Tuju for “playing the role of a political advisor” to Mr Odinga, yet he [Mr Tuju] is a member of the ruling Jubilee Party.

The Sunday Nation splashed that Mr Tuju had gotten a new role in Mr Odinga’s inner circle as the former prime minister’s political strategist.

In his said-new capacity, Mr Tuju is allegedly tasked with the responsibility of crafting a feasible scheme that will extinguish DP Ruto’s chances of ascending to presidency in 2022.

And in his response Sunday, the DP expressed his shock at the Sunday Nation revelations.

“So, our democracy is so liberal that the SG of the ruling party has become the chief strategist of the Opposition! Maajabu [wonders never cease],” tweeted Mr Ruto.

The DP’s social media post marked the first time he was directly criticising Mr Tuju, who has warmed up to Raila Odinga following last year’s unity pact between the ODM leader and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Responding to the DP, however, Mr Tuju said he wasn’t willing to engage in a public spat with “my boss”.

“I refuse to be drawn into public argument with the Deputy President or engage him through the media because he is my boss,” Mr Tuju said in a statement to newsrooms.

“I am committed to supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta’s efforts to unite the country through bold steps like the BBI, the Handshake, the fight against corruption and the Big Four agenda,” added the embattled Jubilee Party secretary general.