Ida Odinga says Edwin Sifuna will not be expelled from ODM, says he is his son Raila: “He is not going anywhere”

• Ida Odinga has spoken while ODM is divided after the death of Raila Odinga, she has asked the leaders to resolve their conflicts within the party
• He defended the party’s general secretary, Edwin Sifuna, whose radical stance has attracted criticism and calls for his removal
• The statements were made during the celebration of Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday held after his death, at Odinga’s family home, Karen, Nairobi

While the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing a difficult period following the death of its leader Raila Odingahis widow Ida Odinga has come forward and called on members of the party to resolve their differences within the party.

Since Raila’s death, ODM has split, with one group supporting the President William Ruto for the 2027 election and the other objecting.

One of the main players in the debate is the general secretary of the party Edwin Sifunawhose firm stance on party issues has drawn criticism from some senior members, with others calling for his removal.

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However, Ida Odinga has defended Sifuna, insisting that no member will be expelled from ODM.

What did Ida say about removing Sifuna from ODM?

Speaking during Raila’s 81st birthday celebrations held after his death at his home in Karen, Nairobi, Ida stressed that the party belongs to all Kenyans and that differences should be dealt with wisely.

“This party belongs to all Kenyans, and Raila loved it and he loved Kenyans with all his heart. I would like to pray that if there is a disagreement, let us stop first and ask ourselves, if Raila was here, what would he do?” he said.

Ida insisted that Sifuna, as the secretary general of the party, will not be removed by anyone.

“He is the son of the Father. He does not go anywhere. If your father dies, do you expel his other sons from the house? You may disagree, but you sit down and talk. No one is expelled, and no one is expelled from the party,” he said.

How did Sifuna respond to Ida’s message?

He urged ODM leaders to prioritize unity and dialogue, asking them to resolve complex issues within the party instead of discussing them publicly.

“All the leaders of the party, sit together and talk first before making a statement, so that we don’t look like people who have no direction. Let’s sit down, let’s talk, and after we agree, let’s go out with our leader and let’s talk with one voice,” he encouraged them.

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In the same event, Sifuna said he has a commitment to the party and to the dialogue. He said he will not relate to people trying to divide ODM and is ready to meet all members, regardless of past differences.

“And as I said during his funeral, I will not be the one to break up Mzee’s party. It will not be Sifuna. The advice you gave, Mother, there is no one in ODM that I will not sit down to talk with. You have asked us to sit down and talk, I am completely ready,” he said.

What message did Ida give about Sifuna?

In a related event, Ida warmly hugged Sifuna during Raila’s birthday party.

The hug stood out from the handshakes he gave to other leaders and was widely interpreted as a sign of support for him amid tensions within the party.

The action sparked a debate online, with many seeing that Ida may be supporting Sifuna.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke