As Kenyans bid farewell to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during his funeral in Bondo, Siaya County, ODM leaders took to the podium to outline the party’s future, revealing differing interpretations of the late leader’s final instructions on working with President William Ruto. Speaking at the funeral service on Sunday, October 19, some ODM bigwigs expressed support for a broad-based government, while others cautioned about preserving the party’s identity.
Gladys Wanga, Homabay Governor and ODM Party National Chairperson, revealed to mourners at Raila Odinga’s funeral that the late leader had left a clear directive for the party.
According to Wanga, Raila directed them to continue working with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
“The last instruction He(Raila Odinga) left us with, and he said he made a clear decision to work with you (William Ruto) for the stability and unity of the nation inside the broad-based government, that is the last standing instruction that Baba gave us, and as a party, that is where we will stand,” she said.
ODM leaders clash over Raila’s final words on working with Ruto
However, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna pushed back, emphasizing the need to preserve the party’s independence and unity.
He pledged to safeguard the strength and cohesion of the Orange Party, saying this would help ensure that ODM remains one of the late Raila Odinga’s greatest legacies.
Sifuna vowed to defend the party from internal divisions, asserting that he would not be part of efforts to weaken the movement Raila built. He added that ODM will follow Raila’s final instructions, given just 23 days before his death.
“Raila Odinga himself said that the ODM party will prepare for the 2027 general elections. To those spreading other information, Raila asked, ‘Who has told you that?’ So, we will follow the last standing instructions,” he said.
“This is not the time to push selfish narratives in ODM. ODM is a party for everyone, for the whole country.”
He added, “I will not be among those who contribute to undermining Raila Odinga’s party. I will do everything in my power to keep ODM united and together even in the face of open provocation,” Sifuna said.
Also Read: Why Kenya High School Holds a Chapter in Raila Odinga’s History
At the same time, Kisii Governor Simba Arati reassured ODM members that the party remains strong and the struggle has just begun.
He hinted at the possibility of the party having a presidential candidate in 2027 to defend President Ruto.
“Even though Baba (Raila Odinga) has passed, his vision awakens us. The party will not sleep. ODM has just begun its struggle, and I want to assure members that the party will not die. We must win the 2027 election as a united party,” Arati said.
Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi said that many people believe the party is gone with Baba’s passing. He noted, however, that Raila left a strong team of capable and brave individuals ready to lead ODM.
Osotsi stated that the party will first take time to mourn before engaging constructively internally. Afterward, it will regroup and continue to stand strong as a united political party in Kenya, carrying forward Baba’s vision.
Also Read: LIVE BLOG: Sifuna Remains Defiant Over ODM Supporting Ruto in 2027
A Section of ODM Leaders Vow to Stay in Broad-Based camp
Other party leaders also weighed in. Treasury CS John Mbadi and Mombasa governor and ODM Deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir echoed Wanga’s message, with Mbadi noting that Raila had always envisioned the Luo community actively participating in government.
“Raila showed us the direction. He wanted the community to be in government. We will be in a broad-based government,” Mbadi said.
On his part, Abdulswamad Nassir outlined the roadmap for 2027, stating that the party will not be in opposition but will either be in government or be the government.
“In 2027, ODM will not be in the opposition. Two things will happen: in August we vote, and by September we are either in government, or we are the government,” Nassir said.
Supporting the view for a broad-based government, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed also cited an instruction from Raila, stating: “Another thing Raila told us: we must stay in the broad-based government.”
Meanwhile, Mining CS Hassan Joho warned that anyone attempting to divide or weaken ODM in the name of unity would face expulsion, emphasizing that the party is here to stay.
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