Dennis Onyango, who served as a close associate and spokesperson to the late Raila Odinga, has now said that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was akin to a son to the former Prime Minister but eventually fell out of favour after what he described as an explosive television interview.

In an interview with a local TV station on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Onyango painted a picture of a relationship that had once been built on trust, mentorship and political strategy, only to be tested by disagreements that emerged in Raila’s final years.

His remarks offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Raila’s political circle and the personalities who shaped the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over the years.

How Edwin Sifuna lost Raila’s confidence

According to Onyango, Sifuna was not just another party official but one of the young leaders Raila deeply admired.

He described the Nairobi senator as Raila’s “political son” and revealed that he personally played a role in bringing Sifuna into the influential think tank that advised the ODM leader.

“Sifuna was Raila’s son, political son,” Onyango said.

He recalled being in Abuja, Nigeria, with Raila when Sifuna gave what he termed an explosive television interview back in Kenya.

According to Onyango, the interview upset Raila so much that he spent the night making phone calls and expressing frustration.

“That night, Raila did not sleep. He was making calls and saying the guy had embarrassed him,” Onyango stated.

He further claimed that Raila felt the interview created an impression that he did not understand the political direction he was taking.

Despite the fallout, Onyango acknowledged that Raila had long appreciated Sifuna’s communication skills and ability to articulate party positions.

“Sifuna was part of Raila’s think tank. Raila liked his ability to articulate issues,” he added.

The comments come at a time when Sifuna remains one of the most influential figures within ODM and has emerged as a key voice in ongoing debates about the party’s future.

Junet Mohamed, Oketch Salah and Raila’s trusted circle

Onyango also reflected on other figures who occupied important positions in Raila’s political and personal life.

He described National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed as one of Raila’s most trusted political allies and among the leaders who genuinely wanted to see him succeed politically.

“Junet was Raila’s person. Junet and SK Macharia really wanted Raila to win,” Onyango said.

He also spoke about businessman Oketch Salah, dismissing suggestions that he was unknown within Raila’s circles.

According to Onyango, Salah enjoyed a close relationship with Raila and had business dealings with him over the years.

“Oketch Salah was Raila’s friend. They did business together,” he stated.

At the same time, Onyango took aim at constitutional lawyer Makau Mutua, arguing that he never added meaningful value to Raila’s presidential campaign.

“I cannot forgive Makau Mutua. To this very day, I believe he derailed us,” Onyango claimed.

The remarks are likely to reignite debate over the key personalities who influenced Raila’s political decisions during his final presidential bid.

Raila Odinga’s death and the void he left behind

Onyango also opened up about the death of Raila Odinga, describing it as one of the most shocking moments of his life.

He revealed that he had spoken to the former Prime Minister just two days before his death and initially struggled to believe the news.

“When I heard about his death, I was shocked because we had spoken two days before. It was unbelievable,” Onyango said.

Yet even in death, Onyango believes Raila would not have wanted prolonged public mourning.

According to him, Raila often spoke casually about mortality and never appeared preoccupied by the prospect of death.

“Raila would be shocked and annoyed that people are still mourning him,” Onyango remarked.

Months after his passing, Raila’s influence continues to shape Kenya’s political landscape, with ODM leaders still divided over the future direction of the party and the legacy left behind by one of the country’s most consequential political figures.