By Erestinah Jane, July 1, 2026
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has said the death of the party’s longtime leader, Raila Odinga, exposed political hypocrisy and betrayal by individuals who had claimed to be among his closest allies.
Speaking during an interview, Sifuna clarified that his reflections following Odinga’s death were not about questioning his own relationship with the late opposition leader but rather about the conduct of others during the transition period.
According to Sifuna, one of the most striking moments came when he travelled to Mumbai to facilitate the repatriation of Odinga’s body.
He said he was surprised by the small number of people who accompanied the process, despite many politicians and associates having publicly portrayed themselves as close confidants of the former Prime Minister throughout his political career.
Sifuna said the experience made him realize that many of those who frequently claimed friendship with Odinga were absent when the family and the party faced one of their most difficult moments.
The ODM Secretary-General also criticized the manner in which the late leader’s funeral arrangements were handled, accusing state officials of sidelining the party during key decisions.
He expressed disappointment that ODM was reportedly not allowed to drape Odinga’s coffin in the party’s colors, arguing that the gesture would have reflected the political movement to which the former Prime Minister dedicated much of his life.
Sifuna noted that Odinga had consistently honoured fellow politicians by recognizing their political affiliations during funerals and memorial services, making the decision particularly painful for ODM members and supporters.
He further accused some political leaders of exploiting Odinga’s death for personal and political gain.
According to Sifuna, several individuals who had previously identified themselves with ODM quickly aligned themselves with the ruling administration under the broad-based government arrangement, a move he described as a betrayal of the late leader’s political vision.
He maintained that Odinga had wanted ODM to remain an independent political force ahead of the 2027 General Election and argued that the party should continue advancing that agenda.
Sifuna also reiterated that he had enjoyed a close working relationship with Odinga and dismissed suggestions that he had ever doubted the trust the former Prime Minister placed in him.
He pointed to Odinga’s repeated public declaration that, When Edwin Sifuna speaks, ODM has spoken, saying it demonstrated the confidence the party leader had in his stewardship as Secretary-General.
The ODM Secretary-General said the period following Odinga’s death offered important lessons about loyalty, leadership and political consistency, adding that parties should remain guided by principles rather than shifting political interests.
