Sifuna Claims Raila Odinga’s Final Warning Sparked Rift with Government
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has broken his silence regarding the escalating power struggle within the party, claiming that the late Raila Odinga personally warned him against cooperating with President William Ruto’s administration.
Addressing a massive crowd at the K’Owuor grounds in Kisumu on Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Secretary General revealed that his opposition to the current government is rooted in a direct directive from the late party leader.
The rally, which saw the Linda Mwananchi faction make a triumphant entry into the lakeside city, served as a platform for the group to assert their legitimacy as the true successors of Odinga’s political ideology.
Joined by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, the team framed their movement as a mission to reclaim the party from figures they allege have “sold out” to the ruling regime.
Raila’s Warning to Sifuna and the Voided Memorandum
Sifuna’s narrative centered on a secret memorandum of understanding (MoU) he had authored, intended to guide a post-election engagement with the government.
“The late Raila Odinga told me that there is no way we will walk with leaders like President Ruto,” Sifuna declared to the thousands gathered as per Nation.
“On that day is when I announced the agreement is null and void. That’s where my predicament started.“
The Secretary General further alleged that he was tactically maneuvered away from party decision-making during the critical period surrounding Mr. Odinga’s passing.
“I boarded the plane [to India] not knowing it was a plan. While we were in India, the individuals put Oburu Oginga as the party leader,” he alleged, insisting that he remains the legitimate holder of his office despite internal challenges.
Battle for the Soul of ODM and 2027 Ambitions
The atmosphere in Kisumu was electric, marking a significant escalation in the war between the Linda Mwananchi faction and the wing led by Dr. Oburu Oginga, Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed.
The Linda Mwananchi leaders accused these officials of holding clandestine meetings at State House to align the Orange party with President Ruto’s government.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi corroborated the narrative of institutional betrayal, citing that prior to Mr. Odinga’s body arriving in Kenya, decisions were allegedly made at the State House to appoint Dr. Oburu as party leader, contrary to what he claims were Mr. Odinga’s documented wishes.
“There are people who were sleeping in Raila Odinga’s class. Let them leave us those who were attentive to continue with the party leadership,” Sifuna added, doubling down on his commitment to the party’s original opposition roots.
The rally concluded with a bold declaration: the Linda Mwananchi faction intends to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
By choosing Kisumu, the traditional bedrock of ODM support, as the launchpad for their countrywide campaign, the leaders are clearly signaling that they intend to challenge the party’s current trajectory directly.
The group urged supporters to reject the “orphan” mentality claimed by their rivals, promising a return to the assertive, pro-people politics that defined the late Raila Odinga’s tenure.
