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Amisi, Sifuna and Babu warned to tread carefully when speaking about Raila
26th July, 2025 07:01 AM
Seasoned political analyst Herman Manyora has cautioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi against openly attacking or appearing to antagonise former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking on his YouTube channel in a video aired on Friday, July 25, 2025, Manyora expressed concern that the three leaders were increasingly making statements that could be interpreted as hostile toward Raila.
He noted that while criticism within the party is acceptable, any form of direct confrontation with the ODM leader could have serious political consequences, including loss of voter support.
Manyora pointed out that the ODM leader still commands significant influence in the party and across the country, warning that any attempt to discredit him could jeopardise the political future of those involved.
He added that Caleb Amisi in particular risks alienating his constituents if he continues attacking Raila, as the former Prime Minister remains a revered figure among ODM supporters.
“They should be very careful; I have already said Caleb Amisi, Babu Owino, and Edwin Sifuna. You can say everything you like about Mudavadi and Wetangula, but be careful about what you say about Raila. If you want to get finished, Amisi might think Raila has become unpopular. If he continues attacking Raila, he should forget about being reelected; he can’t,” Manyora said.
He advised the legislators to take lessons from leaders in other regions, such as Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro in Mt Kenya, who maintains a careful approach when dealing with President William Ruto despite internal political differences.
“You can’t attack Raila, and you are within the ODM family; you can’t make it. My advice to them is that they should copy Ndidi Nyoro in Mt Kenya, who is very careful with Ruto, and yet Ruto is not a Mt Kenya person,” he added.
The warning comes at a time when Sifuna has been vocal in criticising the broad-based government formed after the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between ODM and UDA.
Consequences
Manyora emphasised that while dissent is allowed, ODM members must avoid actions or statements that portray them as antagonistic to Raila, as such moves could undermine their political careers.
“If you are in ODM today and you don’t agree with what Raila is doing, by all means speak against it, but in the midst of all that, Caleb, Edwin, and Babu, be careful not to be seen attacking or antagonising Raila directly. Criticise and oppose, but avoid the unfortunate circumstance of you coming out as antagonising Raila,” he concluded.
