Sifuna: ODM still has more leaders loyal to Raila’s values than sellouts
By Faith Lagat, January 25, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has reaffirmed that leaders and supporters who uphold Raila Odinga’s values remain the majority within the party, amid growing debate over the outfit’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a church service at PAG Kabiru in Kawangware on January 25, 2026, Sifuna addressed a gathering attended by several ODM figures, including James Orengo, Godfrey Osotsi and Babu Owino. He said claims that ODM’s core principles were being abandoned were exaggerated.
“Tumekuja kikosi kikubwa, unajua kuna wengine wamesahau njia ya haki na ya uananchi na wanaongea sana. Mnaweza fikiria hawa ni wengi, mimi nataka niwahakikishie haswa ndani ya ODM ya kwamba wale ambao wanashikilia maadili ya Raila katika ODM sahii ni wengi kuliko wale ambao wameamua kuuza maadili ya Baba,” Sifuna stated.
He said the party remained anchored in ideals of justice and citizen welfare, despite internal debates on alliances and leadership strategy.
Political storms
Sifuna described the church gathering as a source of spiritual strength during what he termed challenging moments in his political journey.
“Kila wakati ambapo nimekua na dhoruba kwa maisha yangu, nimepata fursa ya kuja hapa kuombewa ili niweze kupata nguvu ya kustahimili hiyo dhoruba,” he said.
“Mheshimiwa Cornelius alinipigia simu akaniambia, ‘Sifuna, tunaona dhoruba ambayo unapitia, na sisi kama watu wako ambao tumetembea safari ya kimoja tunataka urudi nyumbani tukuombee kwa ajili ya vita ambayo iko mbele,‘” he added.
Sifuna accused some critics of acting in bad faith while preaching unity.
“Wamenisema, wamemuwekea mitego, wamenipangia, ila wanahubiri amani huku wakininolea visu. Sasa sisi tumesema leo hii, na sisi tutarudisha miguu yetu chini kwenye sakafu kuomba Mungu kwamba atupe nguvu ya kusimama na nyinyi wananchi,” he said.
He framed the political contest as intense and requiring spiritual preparation.
“Na tunasema vita hivi kwa sababu ni vikali, tutakuja hapa kwanza tupate upako, maadui wakituona wenyewe wanaanguka chini tu,” he said.
Party debates and unity efforts
The service came ahead of a planned rally at Kawangware Grounds, part of ongoing mobilisation activities by ODM leaders.
Sifuna’s remarks follow recent public disagreements within the party, including exchanges with National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed over potential cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
However, in an interview on January 21, 2026, Junet described the differences as normal internal debates. “It is nothing serious. It is just a divergence of opinions and beliefs. Nothing personal,” he said.
He added that party decisions would ultimately guide members’ actions. “The decisions of the party will prevail. We can have our own differences, but when the party makes a decision, and that is what Baba taught us, we will all have to abide by it.”
Party elder Oburu Odinga has held separate consultations with leaders to manage the fallout and maintain cohesion.