Raila defends Sifuna’s right of expression after scathing remarks about govt
By Luke Oluoch, July 25, 2025Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has, for another time, defended Secretary General Edwin Sifuna following his explosive remarks regarding the party’s association with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking during the party’s delegate conference in Kakamega County this Friday, July 25, 2025, Raila downplayed the SG’s comments, noting that he reserved the right to air his opinions as the party’s spokesperson.
Raila stated that his utterances were in line with the party’s position of defending the right to opinions and expression.
Say yours!
“We have to protect the rights of people to speak. If Sifuna has spoken, he has a right to speak. Let him speak. If you have a different opinion, say yours. That is the essence of democracy. I have not said anyone should not speak his mind. Even if I am wrong, you have a right to speak your opinion. We must uphold democracy in our party.
Sifuna, during a recent interview, lambasted the pact between Ruto and Raila signed on March 7, 2025.
The remarks followed his sustained onslaught on the government, which at one time prompted Raila to defend him, albeit with a warning to measure his words while on his offensive against the government.
The Orange Party supremo further explained why he has not gone publicly to respond to the SG.
“If Sifuna talks. I will not answer him in the newspaper. I will wait for the party meetings, like the Central Party Committee and the NEC, where each sits and says what we have agreed. So there is no problem with what Sifuna and others have said. Soon you will hear our stance as a party,” he stated.
Threats to ouster Sifuna
The warning comes after Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala appealed to the ODM Party leader Raila Odinga to rein in Luo-Nyanza leaders calling for senator’s resignation.
Speaking at the same event, Wanjala indicated that the Luo-Nyanza leaders should know that ODM is no longer a tribal party, but one that enjoys a national membership and following.
Wanjala further urged Raila to speak to the leaders in a language they understand, stating that such remarks on resignation could occasion a widespread walkout from the party, leaving it without support.
“I want you to go back to Nyanza and speak to them in vernacular that the ODM party is not a party for Luos. It is a party for all Kenyans. When one stands to speak and tells others to exit the party because of their tribe, what will become of ODM when we all leave?” Wanjala posed.
He equally noted that Sifuna should be protected from leaders attempting to hound him out of the party.
Rising star
“We are advanced in age now and we intend to leave the likes of Sifuna to take over leadership of our region; we won’t allow anyone to dim his star. We want you to protect Sifuna from our brothers; he is not against the party; he is just trying to bring it back on track,” Wanjala remarked.