- Mother Ida Odinga lovingly hugged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during Raila Odinga’s birthday celebration at the family’s Karen home
- Sifuna’s presence came under pressure from some ODM members who were pushing to give him a chance due to his opposition to William Ruto’s administration.
- The hug, compared to the hands offered to other leaders, sparked debate online, with fans taking it as a sign of support.
Mama Ida hugged the Nairobi Senator with love Edwin Sifuna during the meeting at the residence of the Odinga Karen family.
Source: Facebook
Leaders and Kenyans gathered at Odinga’s home on Tuesday, January 7, to mark what would have been the 81st birthday of Raila Odinga.
Although the ODM founder is no more, supporters gathered to celebrate his lasting political legacy.
Among those present was the Secretary General of ODM, Edwin Sifuna, whose position within the party has recently been under pressure.
Why do some ODM members want Sifuna to resign?
The Nairobi senator has faced calls from some members of the party to resign or leave ODM due to his strong opposition to the Government of National Unity and the President’s administration William Ruto.
The motion to give Sifuna the position of ODM Secretary General was officially approved but later withdrawn on January 6 by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
Sources indicate that Mama Ida may have contributed to reducing the increased tension within the party.
Is Edwin Sifuna supported by Mama Ida?
In a video that has spread online, Mama Ida is seen welcoming the leaders who gathered at her residence, including the Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Jalang’o, the Member of Parliament for Makadara George Aladwa and the Member of Parliament for Kasarani Donald Karauri.
He greeted them all with his hands.
However, when it was Sifuna’s turn, she embraced him lovingly, a gesture that many considered symbolic.
General Osumo, who posted the video online, elaborated on the incident saying:
“Nairobi MPs who visited Raila Odinga’s family to celebrate Dad’s 81st birthday without him being alive. I discovered something unique, Mama Ida greeted all the MPs with their hands, but for Sifuna, she hugged her with all her love and heart. Sifuna is the heart of Mama in the ODM Party.”
Internet comments about the video:
- @SirOngeri: “Buana Sifuna has the blessings of the Odinga family, that’s why she speaks with confidence knowing that no one will expel ODM.”
- @dannyobhai: “This will not hurt others like @oketchgicheru and Alai and @SamuelAtandi.”
- @WendoAli: “That was Sifuna’s attempt to win a penalty! Mama showed her hands in greeting but Omwami planned a hug with optics. She used her calculator well here.”
Did Sifuna meet Oburu Oginga?
Earlier, ODM leader, Oburu Oginga, and Sifuna met privately. The two met when the Orange party found itself in tension.
Oburu said that their meeting focused on important issues, including ODM unity.
Source: Twitter
“Secretary General Sen. Edwin Sifuna, this morning, met with the Party Leader, Senator Oburu Oginga in his office in Nairobi. Their meeting was focused on the unity and growth of the party,” the ODM party said in a tweet after the meeting.
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