Raila asks Sifuna not to be too harsh in his govt criticism
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has asked Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna not to be too harsh while criticising the broad-based government arrangement.
In a move aimed at quelling a looming standoff in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over their working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration, Raila implored the party secretary general to measure his words while rebuking President William Ruto’s administration, in which some key members from the outfit serve as cabinet secretaries.
At the same time, Raila unequivocally announced that Sifuna’s statements reflect the ODM party position.
“The spokesman of the party is usually the secretary general, Mr Sifuna. So when Sifuna speaks, he speaks on behalf of the party,” Raila stated during the funeral service of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were on Friday, May 9, 2025.
“But then, Sifuna, sai hii ingine hapana kuwa chungu sana (But then, sometimes, Sifuna, do not be too harsh),” he added amidst cheers from the crowd.
Different opinions in ODM
Raila also used the opportunity to address the simmering fallout in ODM and different opinions among the members. The former prime minister asked ODM members to remain steadfast but rally behind the opposition outfit.
He welcomed the different opinions raised by its leaders, maintaining that ODM was built on the fabric of democracy.
“As members of ODM, we must remain steadfast, and we must work to unify ODM as a strong political party. In a political party, there are always differences in opinion on some issues, but the political party itself must have a firm position on a particular issue. That is why people can talk, but ultimately, there is an official stand that would be articulated by the party,” Raila clarified.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, and his Embakasi counterpart are among those who have continued to criticise the government despite ODM signing a working framework with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) led by President William Ruto.
Mbadi confronts Sifuna
Raila’s sentiments came after a section of leaders traded barbs over ODM’s position in the broad-based government arrangement.
Sifuna called on leaders to protect the values of the opposition party even while serving in government. He also emphasised party loyalty.
On the other side, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi confronted Sifuna, asking him to support those picked to serve in the Kenya Kwanza administration as cabinet secretaries.
“So if I am there, I expect a hundred per cent support from the party, starting from the secretary general, my brother Sifuna, please, I am a member of your party; I don’t belong to any other party, I belong to ODM,” Mbadi stated firmly.
“If I fail, there is no way 2027 you are talking about you will convince anyone that ODM can run a government,” he insisted.
