Tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have intensified, with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna sounding the alarm over what he calls a rise in impunity, intolerance, and shrinking democratic freedoms within the party.
His remarks come nearly three months after the death of the party’s founding leader, Raila Odinga, whose absence, Sifuna warns, has created space for internal conflict and erosion of the principles he championed.
On what would have been Raila’s 81st birthday, Sifuna lamented that Kenya is still coming to terms with the loss of one of its most influential political figures.
He said the vacuum left by Raila’s death has coincided with troubling developments that contradict the late leader’s vision of multiparty democracy.
‘’As we reflect, we also take stock of these past two months, a period in which the ideals and principles by which Raila lived and conducted his politics, have been violated by an emerging culture of impunity, intolerance, dictatorship and a conspiracy of silence in the face of threats to multiparty democracy.’’ Sifuna wrote on Wednesday.
He highlighted Raila’s unwavering commitment to the oppressed and his dedication to speaking truth to power, even when it came at a personal cost.
''The 80 years Raila lived represent a total of courage, sacrifice, and an uncompromising belief in freedom and justice, the pursuit of which Raila neither wavered nor relented,'' Sifuna said.
The ODM SG recalled Raila’s pivotal role in Kenya’s Second Liberation, emphasizing his contributions as the father of multiparty democracy and the 2010 Constitution that introduced devolution. According to Sifuna, Raila envisioned a political landscape where parties maintained their distinct identities and citizens enjoyed genuine freedom of expression.
‘’As the country’s foremost second liberation warrior, Baba was the acknowledged father of multipartyism and the new constitution, which gave birth to devolution, two facets of Kenyan life that were meant to lessen government influence on our daily lives and to share our national resources equitably,’’ Sifuna said.
Sifuna explained that his call to protect party integrity, reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding he signed with President William Ruto, stems from the very principles Raila stood for.
‘’Multiparty democracy was intended to be a smooth avenue to free expression and choice, in which the identities and ideologies of political parties would remain distinct and independent, giving rise to a political environment of robust and diverse opinion. It is no wonder Baba insisted that we include respect for multiparty democracy and the integrity and identity of all political parties in the MoU he signed with President Ruto.’’ Sifuna said.
He urged ODM leaders, members, and Raila’s political mentees to uphold these ideals and lead a new political revival anchored in the Constitution, particularly the preamble that affirms the sovereignty of the people and the rule of law.
''Despite this, it behoves all of us he mentored and nurtured to stand firm on directionsilence was safer, he chose resistance. And on his birthday, we, his students, as well as political and ideological mentees, renew our dedication to the principles he stood for, as we honour his memory and legacy by staying the course on this path he charted for us.’’
Sifuna said Raila’s passing in October had opened the door to political backsliding and shrinking democratic space, running counter to the late leader’s vision.
"We do not have the luxury of rest, nor do we possess any fear in pursuit of Raila’s ideals. Raila Odinga was consistent in standing with the oppressed, speaking truth to power," he stated.
His comments come amid growing friction within ODM, highlighted by disputes such as the public fallout between Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, whom he accused of mismanaging party funds during the 2022 elections. Analysts say these tensions reflect a lack of clear leadership direction as the country approaches the 2027 general election.
