Raila: Sifuna Spoke for Himself, Not ODM

SIGOMERE, SIAYA COUNTY — JULY 26, 2025 — ODM leader Raila Odinga has finally addressed the political tremors shaking the Orange Democratic Movement, making it clear that party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s recent comments on the ODM-UDA pact were personal and not the official party stance.

Speaking in his rural Siaya backyard during a memorial for his late mother, Mama Jane Adongo Wando, Raila clarified that while Sifuna is entitled to his views, any position attributed to ODM must emerge from the party’s formal organs.

“What Sifuna said is based on personal opinion,” Raila told mourners at Bar Athenge village in Sigomere. “ODM’s opinion will come as a result of discussions within the organs of the party. This is what we make public.”

His remarks come in the wake of Sifuna’s fiery TV interview earlier this week, in which the Nairobi Senator declared the ODM-UDA memorandum of understanding “dead,” blaming broken promises by the Kenya Kwanza regime and an uptick in state-linked extrajudicial killings — notably, the mysterious death of blogger and activist Albert Ojwang.

Storm in the Orange party

Sifuna’s statements sent shockwaves through the party ranks, especially among ODM leaders currently serving in President William Ruto’s government. Several loyalists accused him of undermining party unity and demanded his resignation.

However, Raila threw his weight behind his Secretary-General, saying ODM remains a democratic party that allows space for divergent views.

“Everyone is allowed to express themselves,” he said. “But our official position will be decided by the Central Committee or the National Executive Committee after consultation. After that, our spokesperson — Sifuna — will communicate it.”

The party boss used the opportunity to chastise sections of the media for what he termed distortion of facts and deliberate misreporting.

“If you don’t understand what I’m saying, come to me and ask me to elaborate,” Raila said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

A promise of stability

ODM leader Raila Odinga and SG Edwin Sifuna in a past function.

While tensions have been building inside ODM and particularly around the uneasy political marriage with Ruto’s UDA, Raila’s statement sought to reassure supporters that the party remains united and strong.

“We’ll move forward with a clear vision,” he said. “ODM remains strong and stable.”

The dust may not have fully settled, but Raila’s message was loud and calculated; Sifuna may have the mic, but the script will still be written by ODM’s inner circle.