Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna stole the show during the emotional burial of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds on Sunday.
Before thousands of mourners and a global audience, Sifuna delivered a stirring tribute that resonated with grief, gratitude, and defiance. Fighting back tears, he thanked Raila for mentoring him and shaping his political destiny, describing himself as “Baba’s son.”
“I have been extremely privileged to have met Baba, learned under him, and finally served him as his Secretary General for the last eight years,” Sifuna said. “I have never had the chance to ask why he picked me. We have attended many funerals together, and I used to believe Baba would be present at mine. Today, words fail me.”
His deeply personal words drew thunderous applause from the crowd and emotional nods from ODM supporters who have long seen him as one of Raila’s most loyal protégés.
But Sifuna’s speech wasn’t just sentimental — it was political. Pivoting from eulogy to strategy, the fiery senator made it clear that ODM will not play second fiddle in the upcoming 2027 General Election.
“Baba spoke to the country on September 22 and directed that ODM must prepare for 2027. To those spreading non-existent pronouncements, Baba wondered where you got all that from,” Sifuna declared, appearing to rebuke colleagues pushing for cooperation with President William Ruto’s government.
His remarks drew a sharp contrast with the faction within ODM that has warmed up to Ruto’s administration, especially after Raila’s decision earlier this year to open channels of collaboration with the ruling UDA party.
Currently, ODM’s leadership mantle rests temporarily with Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, until the party elects a substantive leader. Oburu is seen as favoring continued cooperation with the government — a stance likely to clash with Sifuna’s more independent approach.
Adding intrigue to the day’s proceedings, Ruth Odinga, Raila’s sister and Kisumu Woman Representative, issued a pointed warning to ODM members flirting with disunity.
“My brother had already laid out the party’s future direction before his passing,” Ruth said. “He asked for unity, strength, and loyalty to the ideals that have guided us this far.”
The funeral, attended by global dignitaries and national leaders, doubled as both a farewell to Kenya’s most influential opposition figure and a glimpse into ODM’s uncertain political future.
With Raila’s voice now silenced, Sifuna’s bold stance — and his public claim to Baba’s political legacy — has thrust him into the national spotlight as a possible heir to the ODM throne.
Whether the party rallies behind him or splinters under competing visions will define Kenya’s political landscape for years to come.
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