Nairobi — The Orange Democratic Movement’s Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, has vowed to keep the party united and strong in honour of its late leader, Raila Odinga.

Speaking at Raila’s funeral service in Siaya on Sunday, Sifuna described the ODM as one of Raila’s greatest legacies — a political home that must endure beyond his passing.

“I have been extremely privileged to have met Raila, to have learnt through him and to serve him as Secretary General for the last eight years,” Sifuna said. “Let me state before you here that the party you have left us — I, Sifuna — will not be part of those who fail ODM or Raila.”

He added firmly, “Because ODM is one of your biggest legacies, I will do everything in my power to keep this party united and together, even in the face of provocation. You know what I’m talking about.”

A Pledge of Loyalty and Purpose

Sifuna spoke with visible emotion, reflecting on how Raila had shaped his political philosophy and leadership style. He described the former Prime Minister as “a listener who valued dialogue” and encouraged Kenyans to speak openly about the future of the movement he founded.

“Raila was a listener — he listened to Kenyans. I urge Kenyans to come out and tell us what you want us to do with Raila’s party,” he said.

Sifuna also revealed that Raila’s last directive to the ODM leadership came just three weeks before his death — a call to prepare the party to field a strong presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.

“We shall follow the last stand of Raila, which he made 23 days before he died. This is not the time to push selfish narratives in ODM. ODM is the party for everyone — for the whole country,” Sifuna declared.

A Family’s Call for Unity

Sifuna’s message echoed the sentiments of Raila’s younger sister, Ruth Odinga, who also addressed mourners at the service. She recalled her final conversation with her brother, which, she said, centred on the future of the ODM party.

“What you said about our party, that it must remain — you told me that at 8 a.m. the day before you passed on,” Ruth said. “ODM must unite. We cannot have one ODM here, another one there being led by some other people who think they own the party.”

Her words drew loud applause from the crowd, many of whom have watched the party weather internal divisions and shifting loyalties in recent years.

Ruth issued a firm warning to would-be splinter groups within ODM, saying, “Some of you who want to take the party don’t even know how we got it. We are going to go to any negotiation table with a strong, united, one ODM.”

Preserving Raila’s Legacy

As the country continues to mourn the veteran opposition leader, ODM’s top brass has been quick to rally around a single message — unity. Party loyalists view Raila’s legacy not just in his decades-long political struggle but in the institution he built to advance democracy and reform.

For Sifuna and the Odinga family, keeping ODM intact is not merely a political duty — it is a tribute to Raila’s life’s work.