Sifuna urges ODM to honour Raila’s last words and prepare for 2027
Edwin Sifuna cautioned party leaders against distorting Raila’s message or misrepresenting his position on ODM’s future, saying his last instructions were clear.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has announced the party will contest the 2027 elections, urging leaders not to misrepresent Raila Odinga’s last wishes.
Speaking at the final send-off of Raila in Bondo, Sifuna cautioned against distorting his party leader’s message or misrepresenting his position on ODM’s future, saying his last instructions were clear.
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“In my view, this is not the time to push divisive narratives in ODM. We all know ODM is a party for everyone. As leaders of the party, we have to show unity,” said Sifuna.
Sifuna vowed to defend the ODM from internal wrangles and betrayal, saying he would never be part of any plan to destroy the house Raila built.
“I want to say this in front of Raila, as Sifuna, I will not be part of those who will contribute to destroying the party of Raila Amolo Odinga. Because ODM is part of your biggest legacy, I, as Sifuna, will do everything in my power to keep this party united and together, even in the face of open provocation. Raila, you know why I’m talking like that.”
Raila’s leadership
The Nairobi Senator reminded party members that Raila’s leadership was anchored in listening to the people and putting their interests first.
“Raila used to listen to people. He was a listener to the people. I want to tell my fellow leaders in ODM that we should keep quiet and listen to the people. You tell us what you want us to do with the party of Raila.”
Turning to his personal relationship with Raila, Sifuna described him as a father figure who moulded his political life.
“It was the privilege of my life to have met Baba and to have studied under his feet, to have learned all that I have learned from him and finally to serve him as his Secretary General for the last eight years,” he said. “I will eternally be grateful to you, Jakom, for the opportunity you gave me. I have never had the opportunity to ask why you picked me.”
Reflecting on their bond, Sifuna said he had always imagined that Raila would one day preside over his own burial.
“I have been with you in many such occasions, and I knew that when I die, Raila will be the one to bury me. I asked myself, if Raila came to my burial, what would he say about Sifuna? And I also asked myself what I would say when the day came that we bury Raila, our father and our mentor.”
He recalled that when Raila travelled abroad for treatment, he constantly thought about what actions or decisions would make him proud.
“When he was sick and went to seek medical treatment, I asked myself where Raila is, what is it that I can say or do that would actually make him proud. What can the party do that can make Raila proud wherever he is?”
2027, ODM at crossroads
His remarks came weeks after Raila publicly addressed claims that ODM would not field a candidate in the 2027 general election.
Raila dismissed the reports, insisting that no such decision had been reached and warning members against making pronouncements on behalf of the party without consultation.
“So wherever you are, don’t commit the party to some things which have not been discussed. Let those things be discussed first. We are ODM. Who’s told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027, who has told you?” Raila said at the time.
The late premier emphasised that ODM had its own roadmap and would decide its political path at the right time.
He further clarified that the cooperation agreement the party signed earlier in the year with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was aimed at promoting national stability and addressing pressing national issues, not to compromise ODM’s independence or identity.
According to Raila, the partnership was meant to create room for dialogue and development, but the decision on the 2027 election would strictly remain an ODM affair. He urged members to focus on strengthening the party and preparing for the next polls, not spreading rumours or causing divisions.
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