Sifuna differs with Wanga on Raila’s wishes about ODM’s stance on 2027 contest
By Faith Lagat, October 19, 2025ODM Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has publicly differed with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on the late Raila Odinga’s final instructions regarding the party’s position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the state funeral on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Sifuna emphasised the late leader’s call for electoral preparedness, a stance that contrasts with Wanga’s interpretation of maintaining the party’s role within a broad-based government.
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Sifuna emphasises Raila’s call for preparedness
During the event, Sifuna recounted Raila’s explicit statements made on September 22, 2025, before members of parliament at a Nairobi hotel.
He quoted Raila directly, saying, “Raila aliongea wazi mbele ya nchi nzima, tarehe 22, mwezi uliopita, mbele ya hawa wabunge katika hoteli pale Nairobi, Baba aliongea kwa kinywa chake yeye mwenyewe, naomba viongozi msiingize maneno kwa mtu ambaye amelala, Baba alisema mwenyewe, akasema kama chama lazima tujiandae kwa ajili ya uchaguzi wa 2027.”
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He dismissed contrary narratives by invoking Raila’s rhetorical question, “Who has told you?” Sifuna further urged party members to remain attentive to the electorate. “Raila used to listen to wananchi, na mimi nataka kuencourage wanachama wa ODM, sisi viongozi sasa tunyamaze kidogo tuwaskize nyinyi mnasema nini, nyinyi mtuambie mnataka sisi tufanye nini na chama cha Baba Raila Odinga,” he stated.
He concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to Raila’s electoral directive, saying, “Kwa hivyo sisi tutafuata the last standing instruction ya Raila.”
Wanga stresses Broad-Based government approach
Governor Wanga offered a different interpretation of Raila’s final wishes. She recalled his remarks during the burial of Dr Phoebe Asiya, saying, “Us we follow Baba, when he says left we go left, when he says right we go right, when he says fire we say fire.”
She added, “The last instructions he left us with, and with a very clear mind and I remember him speaking during the burial of Phoebe Asiyo, he said he made a clear decision to walk with you for the stability and unity of the nation inside the broad-based government, that is the last instruction standing, and as a party that is where we will stand.”
Wanga has also appealed to President William Ruto to name the upcoming Talanta Stadium in Nairobi after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.