Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry into Angola despite an invitation from UNITA, the main opposition party. Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine faced a similar fate. This situation raises diplomatic concerns and highlights tensions between ruling parties. Sifuna remains embroiled in internal conflicts within Kenya’s ODM party as accusations of disloyalty surface.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has encountered a refusal of entry into Angola, despite possessing an official invitation from the country’s primary opposition party. Upon his arrival, he reported that Angolan officials prohibited his entry, conflicting with prior assurances from the opposition’s leadership regarding his welcome. This situation parallels a similar denial of entry for Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine.
Senator Sifuna expressed his frustration on March 13, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!” This declaration was made on X, previously referred to as Twitter, where he shared a formal invitation from UNITA to substantiate his claims. The communication indicated that the Office of the President of UNITA had requested border visas for both Sifuna and Bobi Wine, with expectations for their arrival at Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda.
The document indicated that UNITA would assume full responsibility for the stay of the two leaders; however, upon their arrival, Angolan authorities failed to convey any reasons for their entry denials. This incident raises significant diplomatic and political inquiries, particularly since both Sifuna and Bobi Wine hold positions as prominent opposition figures in their nations.
Amidst these developments, the historical context of tensions between Angola’s ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the opposition UNITA cannot be disregarded. The MPLA narrowly emerged victorious in the most recent elections, while UNITA presently serves as the recognized legitimate opposition party. Within Kenya, Sifuna faces challenges, including accusations of disloyalty from certain members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), of which he serves as Secretary-General.
In light of ongoing controversies, ODM County Chairman George Aladwa has suggested that Sifuna’s affiliation with the party may be tenuous, particularly in light of his alleged association with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Nevertheless, Sifuna has demonstrated support for ODM leader Raila Odinga, notably participating in the co-presentation of a Memorandum of Understanding alongside President William Ruto on March 7.
The denial of entry for Senator Edwin Sifuna into Angola, alongside Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, highlights significant diplomatic tensions as both leaders are recognized opposition figures in their countries. Despite having received formal invitations, their barred access demands further scrutiny into Angola’s political climate. The ongoing political dynamics within Kenya’s ODM, compounded by perceptions of disloyalty and shifting alliances, also present challenges for Sifuna’s future within the party.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
