Sifuna apologises to ODM, Kenyans over delay in announcing Raila’s death
By Paulette Mboga, October 15, 2025The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, has apologised to party members and Kenyans over the delay in officially announcing the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Sifuna said the party was aware that news of Raila’s death had already spread earlier through other media outlets, but explained that there was a reason for the delay.
atch: End of an era as Raila Odinga passes away
He said the party had to wait for the official communication from the head of state before making any statement.
Sifuna said, “First of all, I want to take this opportunity to say pole to the ODM fraternity. I want to apologise to members of ODM and the country in general for the delay in the morning because this news was broken by other media before we could do that. We had to wait for the head of state to make the announcement officially because Raila Odinga was a statesman.”
He explained that the decision to wait for the President’s statement was out of respect for Raila’s stature as a national leader. He added that the family was also waiting for Raila’s elder brother to arrive in Nairobi from upcountry before the official communication could be made.
ODM calls for calm among supporters
Sifuna said the situation at Raila’s Karen home had become overwhelming due to the large number of supporters and well-wishers visiting to mourn. He urged Kenyans to respect Mama Ida Odinga and give the family privacy as they come to terms with the loss.
“The elder brother was in upcountry, and we waited for him to come to Nairobi so that the announcement could be made,” Sifuna said.
Also watch: Kenyans react to Raila’s death
“Also, we want to plead with our supporters. We are from his Karen home, and they are overwhelmed. Our people must now stop going to Mama Ida’s home.”
Sifuna noted that Raila’s death had deeply shaken the ODM family and the entire nation, and asked for patience as plans for his final journey are organised.
He assured the public that the party and the government will give regular updates on the funeral arrangements once consultations with the family and state officials are complete.