RUTO AND SIFUNA DIFFER OVER ODM'S FATE

President William Ruto and ODM's SG Edwin Sifuna have treaded different paths in regards to ODM's fate after the death of party leader and former PM Raila Odinga—the President promising to ensure the party remains a strong pillar within his administration as Sifuna rejects state backed unity.

Speaking during the national funeral service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo on Sunday, Ruto vowed to honor Odinga’s political legacy by keeping ODM “strong, vibrant, and respected” within government structures.

“The thing I cannot accept, in honor of this hero of ours — and I will do everything possible, may God help me — is to block those who want to uproot the ODM party and play the opposition card out there. That will not be possible,” said Ruto.

He assured ODM supporters that his administration would safeguard the party’s independence and unity, adding that its strength was vital for Kenya’s democracy.

“I know I am the leader of UDA, but I want to assure ODM members — according to Baba’s wishes — that we will respect and support ODM to hold it together. ODM must be strong as we go to 2027, because strong parties make strong governments,” he said.

Ruto hailed ODM as a partner in his “broad-based government,” saying its inclusion reflected Raila’s desire for a united and stable Kenya.

“ODM is today part and parcel of the Government of the Republic of Kenya. It will either form the next government or be part of it,” Ruto declared.

The President further disclosed that Raila Odinga personally suggested John Mbadi for the Finance docket as part of a broader agreement to give Nyanza region greater representation in national leadership.

“When I spoke to Baba about giving the Finance Ministry to Nyanza, he gave me two names — Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi. Together we agreed on Mbadi. Today, I’m proud that we made that decision,” Ruto recounted, drawing applause.

But Ruto’s assurances drew a cautious response from ODM’s Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, who came earlier maintaining that the party’s identity must not be diluted in the name of cooperation with the ruling coalition.

“Since Baba fell ill, I’ve been asking myself what I can do to make him proud. This is not the time to push divisive narratives or to let ODM lose its soul. I will not be among those who contribute to the failure of the party of Raila Odinga,” Sifuna said firmly.

His remarks subtly contradicted Ruto’s position, reflecting the delicate balance ODM faces between honoring Raila’s legacy and navigating its role within a government it once opposed.

Siaya Governor James Orengo echoed Sifuna’s sentiments, urging the state not to weaken democracy by absorbing all parties into the executive.

“Even as we speak about unity, let us not kill political parties. They are the foundation of our democracy,” Orengo cautioned.

Ruth Odinga, the late opposition leader’s sister, reminded the gathering that Raila’s dying wish was for ODM to remain intact and united.

“Raila told me the day before he died that ODM must be united and strong. We cannot have another ODM being led by one faction while another claims ownership,” she said.

The contrasting remarks by Ruto and Sifuna laid bare the emerging ideological tug-of-war within ODM — between those embracing government partnership and others advocating independence ahead of the 2027 elections.

As Raila Odinga is laid to rest beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, the future of the movement he founded now hangs in a delicate balance — torn between cooperation and autonomy.