Speaking on Wednesday during commemorations marking what would have been Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday at the family home in Karen, Nairobi, Mama Ida expressed concern over emerging divisions within the party, warning that internal wrangles could undermine the values and vision Raila stood for.
Her remarks come amid a public fallout between ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the party’s Director of Elections, who is also Suna East MP, Junet Mohamed.
The two leaders have been trading accusations over the management of campaign funds during Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid, a dispute that has exposed deep-seated tensions within the party in the post-Raila era.
Calling for calm and introspection among party leaders, Mama Ida urged them to reflect on Raila’s lifelong commitment to consultation, unity and service to the people.
“It is my sincere wish that we preserve this party in his honour, as a service to the nation,” she said. “I appeal to those he left in leadership to think deeply and honestly about his dreams for ODM and for Kenya.”
She encouraged the leaders to ask themselves how Raila would have handled such disagreements, noting that dialogue was always his preferred approach.
“If Baba were here, he would tell us to sit down and talk. That is my wish—to talk about our differences and find solutions together,” she added.
Mama Ida highlighted Raila’s leadership style, saying he consistently consulted widely within the party and among citizens before making major decisions.
Calling for calm and introspection among party leaders, Mama Ida urged them to reflect on Raila’s lifelong commitment to consultation, unity and service to the people.
“It is my sincere wish that we preserve this party in his honour, as a service to the nation,” she said. “I appeal to those he left in leadership to think deeply and honestly about his dreams for ODM and for Kenya.”
She encouraged the leaders to ask themselves how Raila would have handled such disagreements, noting that dialogue was always his preferred approach.
“If Baba were here, he would tell us to sit down and talk. That is my wish—to talk about our differences and find solutions together,” she added.
Mama Ida highlighted Raila’s leadership style, saying he consistently consulted widely within the party and among citizens before making major decisions.
She described ODM as one of Raila’s greatest passions, alongside his dedication to democratic reforms and national unity.
“Baba loved ODM deeply,” she said. “He ran the party with dedication, fairness and firmness. He believed in constant consultation and always listened to the people.”
The dispute between Sifuna and Junet became public during the burial of the mother of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya.
“Baba loved ODM deeply,” she said. “He ran the party with dedication, fairness and firmness. He believed in constant consultation and always listened to the people.”
The dispute between Sifuna and Junet became public during the burial of the mother of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya.
At the event, Sifuna accused Junet of misappropriating campaign funds allegedly provided by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, claiming the money was not used to pay party agents, a factor he said contributed to Raila’s poor performance in some key regions during the 2022 election.
Junet strongly denied the allegations, insisting that the funds were distributed within Uhuru’s inner political circle and alleging that some of the money also reached Sifuna.
Junet strongly denied the allegations, insisting that the funds were distributed within Uhuru’s inner political circle and alleging that some of the money also reached Sifuna.
The exchange sparked heated reactions within ODM, with party members splitting into rival camps and exchanging accusations in public forums.
The controversy further intensified when Migori Senator Eddy Oketch sought Sifuna’s removal from the party’s top leadership, accusing him of gross misconduct.
The controversy further intensified when Migori Senator Eddy Oketch sought Sifuna’s removal from the party’s top leadership, accusing him of gross misconduct.
However, Oketch later withdrew the motion, saying he had chosen to respect Raila Odinga’s belief in dialogue as the most effective way to resolve disputes.
Mama Ida’s appeal now places renewed focus on the need for internal reconciliation within ODM, as the party navigates a sensitive transition period following the loss of its long-time leader.
Mama Ida’s appeal now places renewed focus on the need for internal reconciliation within ODM, as the party navigates a sensitive transition period following the loss of its long-time leader.
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