Sifuna cites leadership style differences with Oburu amid ODM division
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, April 30, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has drawn a clear distinction between the leadership style of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and that of his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders and supporters were accustomed to a more consultative approach.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Sifuna said that although he respects Oburu, his leadership style in managing party activities is different from that to which ODM members were accustomed under Raila.
“Raila Odinga was something else; we didn’t expect that Oburu would be like Raila Odinga. He actually gets upset when we say, “By the way, Baba would have done this.” Sisi tuliharibiwa na Baba because he had a style of doing things.
“Baba used to consult widely, and he used to explain things. I have nothing but respect for Dr Oburu, but he has a different way of doing things. We don’t begrudge him; we were just used to something else,” Sifuna said.
He noted that Oburu has a more direct, less consultative approach compared to Raila, who widely consulted the party structures and members before making decisions. Sifuna said that when it came to leadership, Raila Odinga consulted and communicated openly with party members.
He said that ODM members “were spoilt” by Raila, who was known for being transparent and inclusive in his decision-making. This practice, according to Sifuna, has set the standard for the party, and the change in leadership style is more evident to party members.
ODM stance on Ruto 2027 bid
The political rumours around ODM’s position on the 2027 General Election were also tackled by Sifuna, who insisted that Raila Odinga never directed the party to back President William Ruto for re-election.
He noted that, as far as he knows, the ODM constituency doesn’t support the re-election of President Ruto.
“The supporters of ODM do not support William Ruto’s re-election,” Sifuna said, stressing that there is a sense among ODM supporters that the president has not been good for the country.
The senator also claimed that President Ruto’s camp has resorted to intimidation and threats to advance its political agenda, which he said was not necessary in today’s political climate.
He argued that there is no popular support within ODM for the president’s re-election and that political contests should be based on democracy and not threats.
Linda Mwananchi’s pledge to Kenyans
Sifuna also tried to assure Kenyans that the group he is part of under the “Linda Mwananchi” movement is dedicated to serving the public good.
He assured Kenyans that they would continue to work to meet the people’s needs and expectations and that they would not shirk away from the people.
“I want to assure the people of Kenya that we will not disappoint them and we will not run away from the call of the people and responsibility,” he said.