ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna speaks to mourners at the Jomo Kenyatta stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025. /EDWIN SIFUNA/XODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has said the party will remain true to its democratic ideals of accommodating divergent views even in the absence of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga.
Sifuna dismissed claims that the party will crumble following Raila’s death, saying its foundation remains strong because the principles he championed — including listening to the people — are deeply rooted in its culture.
“Baba alikuwa anasikiliza wananchi, na mimi nataka ku-encourage wanachama wa ODM, sisi viongozi sasa tunyamaze kidogo tusikize nyinyi mnasema nini,” Sifuna said during the final funeral service of the late former Prime Minister at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Raila, 80, died on October 15 from cardiac arrest in India, where he had sought treatment.
His death plunged the nation into mourning and unsettled the political arrangements he had initiated, including the partnership with President William Ruto’s administration.
Speculation has since swirled over the future of ODM, but Sifuna moved to allay fears, saying he will safeguard the unity of the party.
“Even in the face of open provocation, Baba, you know what I’m talking about. ODM is one of your biggest legacies, Baba. I, as Sifuna, will do everything in my power to keep this party together,” he said.
Other ODM leaders who spoke after Sifuna echoed his sentiments, reaffirming the party’s commitment to remain in the broad-based government.
Fisheries and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho warned that anyone seeking to divide the party would be shown the door.
“The principles and values of the party have been imparted to me by Baba Raila Amollo Odinga. Whoever imagines that anaweza kuvunja chama cha ODM, yeye ndiye tutamfukuza na ahame, chama kitabaki,” Joho said.
Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya recalled Raila’s counsel that true leaders must listen to the people and that politics has no permanent enemies.
“That’s why I have decided to take you to the government under President William Ruto,” Oparanya said, recounting Raila’s words.
“He said we shall remain in the broad-based government and support President William Ruto, and that is where we shall stay. Those who have been mandated to protect the party, protect the party and strengthen it when we come back, we continue its legacy.”
The funeral service drew thousands of mourners from across the country, including senior government officials, opposition figures, foreign dignitaries and supporters from Raila’s political strongholds in Nyanza and beyond.
The atmosphere was emotional yet charged with political undertones, as speaker after speaker vowed to keep Raila’s vision for a united Kenya alive.
ODM, founded in 2005, has been Kenya’s most enduring opposition party and a major force in shaping the country’s democratic landscape.
Under Raila’s leadership, the party fought for constitutional reforms, devolution and accountability in governance.
Raila's departure now leaves a leadership vacuum that the party will have to navigate carefully amid growing internal and external pressures.
Sifuna’s call for members to “show the way” reflects ODM’s tradition of consulting its grassroots before major political decisions — a method Raila often referred to as “listening to the ground.”
Party insiders say consultations will begin in earnest once the mourning period ends, paving the way for what could be the most significant reorganisation in ODM’s two-decade history.
In the meantime, the party appointed Raila's elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Odinga as interim party leader, but his position is subject to party endorsement during a delegates convention expected to be called soon after the mourning period.
