Raila Signals Possible Shift on ODM-UDA Agreement, Says Sifuna Has a Point

Raila Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has reaffirmed the party's commitment to democratic principles amid escalating internal tensions over its cooperative agreement with President William Ruto's administration. 

Speaking at a delegates' conference in Kakamega, Raila defended ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, whose recent critical remarks regarding the party's cooperation with the government have ignited controversy and exposed deep ideological divisions within the opposition party. Raila emphasised that Sifuna, who also serves as the Nairobi Senator, has the right to voice his opinions. 

"Democracy is the core of ODM," Raila said. "If Sifuna has spoken, he has the right to do so. If you differ with him, then speak your mind. That is democracy." 

This declaration comes in response to growing internal discord following Sifuna's declaration that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is effectively "dead," citing the government's alleged failure to uphold key provisions, including the protection of civil liberties and adequate compensation for victims of police brutality.

Sifuna's comments, delivered during a televised interview, prompted immediate and sharp rebukes from several prominent ODM figures, including party chairperson Gladys Wanga and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed. 

These leaders have maintained that only Raila is authorised to determine the status of the pact, adding layers of complexity to the intra-party debate. Raila's intervention is viewed as an attempt to stabilise the party, which is navigating increasing strain related to its political direction and relationship with the current administration. While validating Sifuna's role as the party's spokesperson, Raila clarified that ODM's official stance on the MoU would be collectively determined through established internal mechanisms, such as the Central Committee and National Executive Council. 

"We will sit down, assess what has been implemented, and agree on the way forward together," he affirmed.

The contentious MoU, initially signed in March 2025, was designed to promote national unity and address significant socio-economic challenges that arose in the wake of widespread youth-led protests against the Finance Bill. Its ten-point agenda includes commitments to upholding the right to peaceful assembly, conducting an audit of public debt, and intensifying efforts to combat corruption. Critics like Sifuna contend that the government has not honoured these commitments, pointing to ongoing incidents of police violence and the suppression of dissenting voices.

While some long-standing party members have reportedly called for Sifuna's resignation, others have expressed support for his stance. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, a deputy party leader, publicly endorsed Sifuna's position and cautioned that any attempt to remove him from his post could trigger broader resignations within the party. 

"If you say he should resign, I will also follow him," Osotsi said, highlighting the depth of the divisions.

The controversy has also reinvigorated discussions about ODM's identity and future trajectory. Sifuna has argued that the party risks eroding its oppositional credibility and creating confusion among its grassroots supporters by aligning too closely with the Kenya Kwanza government. 

"If we stick with this government until 2027 without preparing the party, we’ll lose the chance to explain to Kenyans what we were doing with Ruto all this time," he warned.

Although acknowledging the challenges in implementing the MoU, Raila stopped short of fully endorsing Sifuna's call for its termination. He reiterated that the agreement was crafted to address pressing national concerns and should be reviewed in light of its actual execution. 

"What we agreed on with the President must be implemented," he said, referring to unfulfilled promises such as the provision of compensation for victims of police brutality.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has accused Sifuna of demanding Ksh300 million to support the broad-based government—a claim that Sifuna has not addressed publicly. Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala have urged Odinga to protect Sifuna from internal attacks, cautioning against ethnic and factional divisions. 

"Sifuna is our star; we don’t want anybody to dim our star," Wanjala said.