Mama Ida Odinga has called for unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party amid growing tensions between senior officials Edwin Sifuna and Junet Mohamed. The two party leaders have been embroiled in a public dispute over the handling of campaign funds during Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid, highlighting deepening divisions in the party following Raila’s political departure.
During a gathering on January 7, 2026, to commemorate what would have been Raila’s 81st birthday, Mama Ida urged party leaders to put aside their differences for the sake of preserving Raila’s vision for the party and the nation. The event, held in Karen, Nairobi, was a moment of reflection on Raila’s enduring legacy, with Mama Ida urging the leadership to come together and ensure the party remains united.
“I appeal to those he left in leadership to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and our country,” she said, emphasizing the importance of honoring Raila’s commitment to ODM. “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 recalled Raila’s dedication to consultation and consensus within the party, highlighting his belief in decision-making through discussions with members of the public and party officials. She emphasized that Raila’s profound love for ODM should serve as a guiding principle for the current leadership, reminding them of his inclusive approach to running the party.
“Raila had another love, ODM. He ran ODM with dedication, firm and fair hands. He ran ODM on the principle of constant consultation and always referring to the people,” she noted.
The rift between ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Director of Elections Junet Mohamed became public during the burial of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya’s mother. Sifuna accused Junet of mishandling campaign funds provided by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, claiming that these funds were not properly allocated to party agents, contributing to ODM’s loss in key battlegrounds. Junet, on the other hand, defended himself, suggesting that the funds were shared among Uhuru’s inner circle and that Sifuna had also benefitted from them.
The clash between Sifuna and Junet has divided ODM members, with factions forming and each side making allegations. The dispute even led to an attempt by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch to remove Sifuna from the party leadership over allegations of misconduct, although Oketch later withdrew the motion, citing his respect for Raila’s belief in dialogue as a preferred method of resolving disputes.
Mama Ida’s plea for unity is seen as a call for ODM leaders to put aside personal differences and focus on maintaining the party’s strength and integrity, ensuring it remains a powerful force in Kenya’s political landscape.
As ODM enters this new phase in its leadership, many will be watching closely to see whether the party can overcome its internal conflicts and stay true to Raila Odinga’s vision for a united, people-centered political movement.
