- Mother Ida Odinga has urged ODM leaders to embrace dialogue and unity, warning that internal conflicts risk tarnishing Raila Odinga’s legacy
- ODM has continued to split since Raila’s death, with factions clashing over their relationship with President William Ruto and the inclusive government.
- ODM Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, getting support from Oburu Oginga and the party’s board of trustees, has vowed to face his internal opponents after calls for his dismissal were opposed
Mother Ida Odinga He has asked ODM leaders to consider ways of reconciliation in resolving the conflicts that are shaking the party.
Source: Twitter
Since the death of Raila OdingaODM has found itself in a crisis that threatens the unity of the party 20 years since its establishment.
Ida Odinga’s advice to ODM leaders
Divisions are extreme within the party, with the parties clashing fiercely, especially regarding the integrated government and the possibility of cooperating with the President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during the commemoration of Raila’s (80+1) birthday after his death on January 7, Ida called for unity within ODM, saying that dialogue in times like this is important.
He noted that Raila had laid the foundations for dialogue within ODM as a way to resolve differences.
Ida urged party leaders to imitate Raila’s methods as he led the party through difficult times.
“Baba ran ODM on the basis of constant consultation and returning to the people. It is my wish that we can preserve this party in his honor as a service to our country. I call on those he left behind in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and our country,” he said.
How did Raila Odinga resolve conflicts within ODM?
Ida noted that Raila had a very close relationship with the party, so any attempt to disrupt it would tarnish his decades-long legacy.
He said that despite his authority, Raila recognized the challenges the party would face at times, and that dialogue was his proven way to fix the situation.
“He had great love for ODM. I thank the party and all the workers who served him in various positions for their dedication to him while he was alive and even after his death. Baba ran ODM with dedication, with a firm but fair hand. Let’s face the problems of the party by asking ourselves what Baba would do in these situations. I am sure he would ask people to sit down and talk. That is my request – to sit down and talk about our differences,” he added.
Ida’s call was welcomed by the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifunawho has now become the center of tension within the party.
Source: Twitter
How Sifuna responded to Ida Odinga’s call
Sifuna said he is ready to face his opponents within ODM and address the issues fueling toxic divisions within the party.
The senator, who is also the Secretary General of ODM, leads a group that opposes an integrated government and any possibility of ODM collaborating with Ruto.
His strong stance disturbed the members of another group leaning towards Ruto, a situation that prompted calls to remove him from the post of Secretary General for allegedly failing to follow the party’s position.
Efforts to remove Sifuna had gained momentum until party leader Oburu Oginga and the board of trustees intervened.
Oburu said that ODM was built on the principles of freedom of expression and differences of opinion, stressing that Sifuna had the right to express his opinion.
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