ODM leader urges party unity amid internal criticism as Sifuna reiterates opposition stance ahead of 2027
Kasipul, Homa Bay County – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has come out strongly in defense of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has recently come under fire for his public statements on the government’s power-sharing arrangement.
Speaking on Thursday during the funeral of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, Raila affirmed that Sifuna, as ODM Secretary General, is the official voice of the party.
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“ODM must remain steadfast. And we must work to unify ODM as a strong political party. Yes, in a political party there are always differences of opinion on some issues. But the political party itself must have a firm stand on a particular issue,” Raila said.
“Ultimately, the official position must be articulated by the party. And the spokesman of the party is actually the Secretary General, Mr. Sifuna. He speaks on behalf of the party.”
In a light-hearted moment, Raila advised Sifuna to occasionally tone down his sharp remarks:
“Sifuna saa ingine hapana kuwa chungu sana,” he added in Kiswahili.
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Sifuna has drawn criticism from some quarters for questioning the broad-based government arrangement involving President William Ruto and Raila Odinga. Detractors have accused him of being a saboteur, but he dismissed the allegations, stating that ODM remains in opposition.
“ODM is not in government. Our responsibility now is to organize and prepare ourselves to win in 2027,” Sifuna said during his speech.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, a senior ODM member, called for support from within the party ranks, directing his remarks at Sifuna.
“I expect full support from the party—starting with the Secretary-General, my brother Sifuna. Please remember, I’m a loyal member of ODM; I belong to no other party. If I fail, it will be difficult to convince anyone in 2027 that ODM can lead a government. May God bless you,” Mbadi said.
The event laid bare emerging fault lines within ODM as the party grapples with internal dissent and shifting political alliances, even as it positions itself for the 2027 general elections
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