‘Sifuna Speaks For ODM!’ – Raila Tells Kenyans, Advises Him To Tone Down
Raila Odinga, the head of the Orange Democratic Movement, has encouraged Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to tone down his criticisms of the broad-based administration.
Raila acknowledged Sifuna’s authority to speak on behalf of the party as Secretary-General but cautioned him to be subtle in his speeches.
“The spokesman of the party is usually the secretary general, so when Mr Sifuna speaks, he speaks on behalf of the party. But Mr Sifuna, sometimes tone down a bit,” Raila told Sifuna.
The party leader was addressing the burial service for Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo in Oyugis.
MP Were's final journey
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) May 9, 2025
Hon. Raila Odinga: When Sifuna speaks, he is speaking for the party. Mr. Sifuna saa ingine apana kua chungu sana.#K24Updates pic.twitter.com/Y3tKlrKmB8
He also agreed that, as a party, ODM members are entitled to differing viewpoints, but those opinions should not separate them.
“As members of ODM, we must remain steadfast and edify ODM as a strong political party,” Raila continued.
“Yes, in a political party, there are always differences in opinions on some issues, but the party must have a firm stand on the issues, people must talk, but ultimately there is an official position that will be articulated by the party.”
Sifuna has been harshly critical of Raila and Ruto’s broad-based government, claiming that it is not a legitimate structure and that all government positions remain under the grip of Kenya Kwanza.
The SG denied the notion that ODM as a party is a part of the government, arguing that only individuals from ODM who entered the government did so on their own behalf, not as representatives of the party.
ODM Sec. Gen. Senator Edwin Sifuna has made himself irreplacable in the ODM Party to the point that Baba Raila Odinga has to plead with him to cool down.
— Onyango Okello Oloo. (@calvinokello4) May 9, 2025
In a LUO dominated party, Sifuna a LUHYA has silenced voices of disidents. Powerful voices who would want him out.
It is not… pic.twitter.com/9UCUetCwdr
Speaking at the same event, Treasury CS John Mbadi asked Sifuna to quit assaulting him.
Mbadi reminded him that they were both members of the same party, and that if he did not succeed, neither would ODM.
“While I am in government, trying to push the party’s agenda, I expect total support from the party, including from you, Sifuna,” Mbadi said.
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“My brother Sifuna, please, I am a member of your party, if I fail, there is no way in 2027 you will convince anyone that ODM can run a government.”
Treasury CS John Mbadi and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna just had what looks like a handshake in front of ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga. Here is the video that everyone is talking about. pic.twitter.com/GNBK92rS8e
— Gabriel Oguda (@gabrieloguda) May 9, 2025
Raila congratulated ODM members who are currently working as Cabinet Secretaries in Kenya’s Kwanza cabinet, expressing delight in their contributions to several ministries.
He informed them that the party values their efforts and supports their service.
Raila has called for a swift inquiry and arrest of the masterminds of MP Charles Were’s murder.
‘Sifuna Speaks For ODM!’ – Raila Tells Kenyans, Advises Him To Tone Down
