Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has warned that anyone attempting to divide the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will face resistance from loyal members of the party.
Joho said he had never betrayed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga while he was alive, and would not do so in his death.
His remarks come as discussions about the future of the Orange party dominated Raila’s funeral service in Bondo on Sunday.
ODM leaders used the occasion to reflect on Raila’s political legacy and to express their commitment to preserving the unity of the party in his absence.
Speaking during the service, Joho recalled how Raila guided his political journey from the beginning and instilled in him values that continue to shape his leadership.
“ODM members, the party is going nowhere. The party will not break. The values and principles of the party were placed in my heart by Raila. Whoever imagines they can break the party, they are the ones we shall chase away. If you try to break the party, you are the one who will leave. The party is here to stay,” he said.
Joho’s sentiments echoed a growing call among ODM leaders to safeguard Raila’s political legacy through unity and shared purpose.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna pledged to protect the strength and unity of the party, describing it as one of Raila’s greatest legacies.
Reflecting on his eight years of service under the former Prime Minister, Sifuna credited Raila for shaping his political philosophy and leadership style.
“I have been extremely privileged to have met Raila, to have learnt from him and to serve him as Secretary General for the last eight years,” Sifuna said.
“Let me state before you here that the party you have left us — I, Sifuna — will not be part of those who fail ODM or Raila. Because ODM is one of your biggest legacies, I will do everything in my power to keep this party united, even in the face of provocation.”
Sifuna described Raila as a leader who listened to Kenyans and encouraged open dialogue within the party. He emphasised that ODM must continue speaking with one voice in future political engagements.
The message of unity was echoed by other party leaders, who urged members to remain steadfast and uphold the ideals Raila championed throughout his career.
Raila’s sister, Ruth Odinga, revealed that her last conversation with him was about the future of the ODM party.
“You told me at 8 am, the day before you passed on, that our party must remain united and strong,” she said. “ODM must unite. We cannot have one ODM here and another there being led by a few people who think they own the party.”
As the nation mourns the former Prime Minister, ODM leaders appear determined to ensure that his vision of unity, democracy, and justice remains at the heart of the party he built and led for decades.
