The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has vowed to protect the unity and strength of the Orange Democratic Movement, saying it remains one of the late Raila Odinga’s greatest legacies.
Speaking during Raila’s funeral service on Sunday, Sifuna reflected on his eight-year journey working under the former Prime Minister, crediting him for shaping his political ideals and leadership values.
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“I have been privileged to learn from Raila and to serve him as Secretary General for the past eight years. Let me declare here today that I, Sifuna, will not be part of those who fail ODM or betray Raila’s vision,” he said.
He pledged to defend the party against internal wrangles, adding: “ODM is one of your biggest legacies, and I will do everything possible to keep it united and strong, even when provoked. You know what I mean.”
Sifuna described Raila as a leader who valued dialogue and listened to the people. He urged ODM members to maintain that culture by engaging in open discussions about the party’s direction.
“Raila always listened. I call on Kenyans to come forward and tell us what you want us to do with Raila’s party,” he said.
Sifuna also revealed that just weeks before his death, Raila had instructed ODM’s leadership to begin preparations to field a candidate in the 2027 general election.
“We shall honour his last directive — given 23 days before he died. This is not the time for selfish ambitions. ODM belongs to the whole nation,” he said.
His remarks came as Raila’s sister, Ruth Odinga, echoed similar sentiments, recounting her final conversation with her brother. She said Raila had emphasized the need for ODM to remain united and resist internal divisions.
“He told me at 8 a.m. the day before he passed that our party must stay strong and united. We cannot have multiple ODMs led by different people. ODM must remain one,” she said.
Ruth warned against splinter factions within the movement, stressing that division would only weaken the political institution Raila devoted his life to building.
