In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 7, as he paid tribute to Odinga on what would have been his 81st birthday, Sifuna accused some leaders of betraying the values and principles that defined the former Prime Minister’s political life.
Sifuna said Odinga’s legacy as a champion of multiparty democracy and constitutionalism was under threat from what he described as a rising culture of dictatorship, intolerance and a “conspiracy of silence” within political spaces.
According to the ODM Secretary General, Odinga’s death in October last year had inadvertently created room for democratic regression, contrary to the vision he held for Kenya’s political future.
“Multiparty democracy was meant to guarantee freedom of expression and choice, with political parties maintaining distinct and independent ideologies,” he added.
Sifuna challenged leaders — particularly those who were mentored and nurtured by Odinga — to stand firm on principle and resist political expediency, calling for a renewed commitment to constitutionalism and people-centred leadership.
He urged leaders to emulate Odinga’s courage in standing with the oppressed, speaking truth to power and defending the sovereignty of the people as enshrined in the Constitution.
“We do not have the luxury of rest or fear in the pursuit of Raila’s ideals. He consistently stood with the oppressed and spoke truth to power,” Sifuna said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of escalating disputes within ODM that have exposed deep divisions among party leaders.
In recent weeks, tensions have intensified following a public fallout between Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, with the ODM Secretary General accusing Junet of mismanaging party funds during the 2022 General Election.
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