Mama Ida Odinga has appealed to senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials to set aside their differences and preserve party unity in honour of the late Raila Odinga, saying cohesion within the party would ultimately serve the nation.
Her remarks come amid growing tensions within ODM, following a public fallout between Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the party’s Director of Elections, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed. The two leaders have clashed over the management of campaign funds during Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid, exposing simmering divisions within the party in the post-Raila era.
Speaking on Wednesday at Karen during an event to commemorate Raila’s legacy on what would have been his 81st birthday, Mama Ida urged ODM’s top leadership to pause, reflect, and recommit to the party’s founding ideals.
“It is my wish that we can preserve the party in his honour as a matter of service to the country. I appeal to those he left in leadership to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and our country,” she said.
She called on party leaders to resolve disputes through dialogue, drawing inspiration from how Raila handled internal disagreements.
“Let us support the problems of the party by asking ourselves what Baba would do. Your guess is as good as mine. Baba would tell us, let us sit down and talk and that’s my wish; to talk about our differences,” Mama Ida added.
She reminded ODM leaders that Raila built and led the party through constant consultation, engaging both party officials and ordinary citizens before making key decisions. According to her, that culture of inclusivity and dialogue defined his leadership style.
Mama Ida also underscored Raila’s deep affection for ODM, urging current leaders to honour his legacy by working together to keep the party strong and united.
“Baba had another love, ODM. I thank the party and staff who served baba in life and death. Baba ran ODM with dedication, firm and fair hands. He ran ODM on the principle of constant consultation and always referring to the people,” she said.
Her message comes at a critical moment for ODM, as the party navigates internal disagreements while seeking to redefine its direction and leadership following the passing of its longtime leader.
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