This archive report was first published on 5 January 2020.
Published on January 5, 2020, ODM's Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and National Chairman John Mbadi have dismissed revelations by British data-mining firm Cambridge Analytica on Kenya's 2013 and 2017 general elections.
According to Cambridge Analytica, ODM leader Raila Odinga, who was the defunct Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) presidential candidate in 2013, turned down the firm's services because he was confident of defeating then Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.
However, the firm suggested that ODM might consider their services in the 2017 polls, 'while already in power and seeking re-election'.
ODM has refuted these claims, stating that they never worked with Cambridge Analytica in 2017. The party's leaders have accused the firm of using 'dirty political tricks' and spreading 'fake news'.
"The party refused to work with an evil organisation that uses propaganda to divide the country," Mr Sifuna told the Nation.
"We chose to take our chances with the people. We will always do that because we do not believe in winning at whatever cost," he added.
Mr Mbadi also expressed his skepticism about the firm's revelations, questioning their relevance and value.
"Reading through all these stories, I cannot appreciate the value at this time. Why has it become relevant to discuss these stories now?" he asked.
Cambridge Analytica's revelations have sparked controversy, with Jubilee Party acknowledging their use of the firm's services in past elections but denying any involvement in illegalities.
