Sifuna Downplays ODM Divisions As Ida Odinga Chips In

Sifuna Downplays ODM Divisions As Ida Odinga Chips In

Edwin Sifuna, Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has downplayed internal party divisions, claiming that he will not be the one to preside over the political outfit’s demise.

Speaking on Wednesday, Sifuna stated that he had listened to Mama Ida Odinga’s advice and restated a vow he made at the burial of Raila Odinga, the late opposition figure.

“I have listened to every word that you have said, and as I said at Mzee (Raila Odinga’s) burial, it will not be Sifuna to wreck the ODM party,” Sifuna said.

“I made that promise to Mzee, and I want to repeat it here.”

Jakom, it is nearly three months since you left. Many of us are no closer to overcoming this loss than we were two months ago. Indeed, your larger than life profile and the impact you had on us and the nation, means we may never stop mourning.

As it is your birthday today, we…
— Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) January 7, 2026

Addressing criticism from within ODM, the Nairobi senator stressed that personal attacks would not discourage him from interacting with colleagues in the interest of party unity.

“The advice that you’ve given, Mama, I want to tell you there is no one in ODM,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter how many times, how badly you’ve insulted me, there is none in ODM I will not sit down with.”

Sifuna highlighted that reconciliation is still possible, despite previous differences, and stated that he was willing to respond to demands for discussion and bridge-building.

He acknowledged Mama Ida’s call for party leaders to interact and address their disputes through discourse rather than public conflict.

Sifuna, you need a hug! What Mama Ida Odinga told Sifuna after ODM members fought him pic.twitter.com/ZWcX8Gt02L
— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) January 7, 2026

“You have asked us to sit and talk. I am very prepared. It doesn’t matter what has happened between us,” he said.

In an effort to defuse tensions, Sifuna said he was extending an olive branch to party members with whom he has had rocky connections.

He also emphasized Mama Ida’s continued symbolic position within ODM and the Odinga family.

“As mama has said, I’m going to extend that olive branch, because mama, sahii wewe ndiye uko,” he said, mixing English and Kiswahili to underscore his point.

“It is water under the bridge.”

Nairobi legislators visit Raila Odinga's family to celebrate Baba's 81st birthday in absentia.

Noticed something unique, Mama Ida greeted all the other MPs with her hand but when it came Sifuna's time, she gave him a warm & heartily hug.

Sifuna is mama's heart in the ODM Party! pic.twitter.com/h8tcP195kh
— Generali Osumo (@generali_osumo) January 7, 2026

The ODM Secretary General’s words come as the party is dealing with internal cohesiveness, discipline, and its political destiny.

Following recent political realignments, different factions have traded charges over leadership style, allegiance, and the direction of the party.

ALSO READ:

Earlier, Mama Ida had called on the leadership of ODM to embrace dialogue as the only way to solve challenges facing the party.

What Would Raila Do? Mama Ida Odinga Finally Breaks Silence, Addresses ODM Chaos within the party pic.twitter.com/K13pBCA7WS
— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) January 7, 2026

Ida said that in the time when the party is undergoing political turmoil, Raila would have called for dialogue to ensure existing issues are addressed amicably.

“Raila run ODM on the principle of constant consultation and always referring to the people. It is my wish that we can preserve the party in his honour as a matter of service to our country,” she said.

“I appeal to those Baba left in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for our country.”

Sifuna Downplays ODM Divisions As Ida Odinga Chips In