Speaking on Sunday, January 25, Osotsi said Sifuna’s words, both before and after Raila’s passing, were guided by the late ODM leader and should not be interpreted as independent political maneuvering.
“I want to make this clear: all the statements Edwin Sifuna made before Raila Odinga passed away, and those he is making now, were words he was sent to deliver by Raila himself,” Osotsi asserted.
The Vihiga lawmaker emphasized that Sifuna has remained within his mandate as ODM Secretary-General and urged party members to continue supporting him.
“As a Deputy Party Leader, Sifuna has not committed any error. He is my brother, and I stand with him. I encourage all our supporters to stand firm and not allow anyone to intimidate them,” Osotsi said.
Osotsi’s defense of Sifuna comes amid growing tensions within ODM, with various party leaders weighing in on how to navigate internal disagreements.
Recently, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga criticized National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for commenting on ODM’s internal wrangles.
Wetang’ula had argued that the party must resolve its differences to honor Raila Odinga’s legacy and suggested that ODM leaders rally behind a broad-based government under President William Ruto.
“Today, I called on the ODM leadership to urgently end the internal wrangles that threaten to tear apart the party that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga worked tirelessly to build. ODM can only truly honor Raila’s legacy by remaining united and supporting the broad-based government he helped craft for national stability,” Wetang’ula said in a statement shared on X on Friday, January 23.
In response, Governor Wanga urged Wetang’ula to focus on his own political party, Ford Kenya, rather than interfering in ODM matters. “Focus on the dwindling fortunes of Ford Kenya,” she wrote on social media.
Adding another layer to the debate, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga cautioned ODM against rushing into coalition negotiations. She emphasized the need for thorough consultations and a democratic process within the party before making any major decisions.
“ODM should not rush into coalition agreements as if there is an emergency. Even if we sit still, 2027 will come. The party must first listen to its members across the country—from Turkana to Kwale and Wajir to Isebania—before arriving at a conclusion,” Ruth Odinga said.
She also called for town hall meetings and other platforms to incorporate the views of the party’s grassroots membership.
“Today, I called on the ODM leadership to urgently end the internal wrangles that threaten to tear apart the party that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga worked tirelessly to build. ODM can only truly honor Raila’s legacy by remaining united and supporting the broad-based government he helped craft for national stability,” Wetang’ula said in a statement shared on X on Friday, January 23.
In response, Governor Wanga urged Wetang’ula to focus on his own political party, Ford Kenya, rather than interfering in ODM matters. “Focus on the dwindling fortunes of Ford Kenya,” she wrote on social media.
Adding another layer to the debate, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga cautioned ODM against rushing into coalition negotiations. She emphasized the need for thorough consultations and a democratic process within the party before making any major decisions.
“ODM should not rush into coalition agreements as if there is an emergency. Even if we sit still, 2027 will come. The party must first listen to its members across the country—from Turkana to Kwale and Wajir to Isebania—before arriving at a conclusion,” Ruth Odinga said.
She also called for town hall meetings and other platforms to incorporate the views of the party’s grassroots membership.
“We cannot make binding decisions without consulting the people who form the backbone of this party,” she added.