ODM leader Raila Odinga has addressed the recent political unrest within the Orange Democratic Movement, clarifying that Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s remarks regarding the ODM-UDA agreement were personal opinions and not the official party position.
Speaking at a memorial for his late mother in Siaya, Raila emphasized that any official stance of the party must come from its formal structures.
His comments followed Sifuna’s controversial interview where he declared the ODM-UDA pact “dead,” citing unfulfilled promises from the Kenya Kwanza administration and rising state-related extrajudicial killings. Sifuna’s statements caused a stir within the party, particularly among ODM members in President William Ruto’s government, leading to calls for his resignation.
Nevertheless, Raila supported Sifuna, asserting that ODM is a democratic party that welcomes diverse opinions, but official positions will be determined by the Central Committee or National Executive Committee before being communicated by Sifuna.
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.
