Mama Ida Odinga, wife of former ODM leader Raila Odinga, has firmly backed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna amid reports of his removal as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General.
In a recent statement, she declared, “Sifuna is here to stay,” describing him as Raila Odinga’s “political son” and urging the party to handle internal disputes through dialogue rather than expulsions.
The controversy erupted after ODM’s National Executive Committee reportedly relieved Sifuna of his duties, with some sources citing procedural issues or disagreements over the party’s direction, including its ties to broader political arrangements.
Sifuna has rejected the move as illegal and unconstitutional, insisting he remains the duly elected SG and vowing to fight on. He has emphasized no formal disciplinary process was followed.
Mama Ida emphasized family-like unity in the party, likening it to a household where disagreements should be resolved by sitting down together, not by chasing members away.
“If your father has died, should the children be chased away from the house?” she reportedly asked, stressing the need to preserve party cohesion and avoid division.
Her intervention highlights ongoing tensions within ODM following Raila Odinga’s era, as factions debate leadership and the party’s future.
Sifuna, seen by supporters as a steadfast defender of ODM’s core values, appears to retain significant backing from key figures like Mama Ida, potentially complicating any leadership changes.
Author: Bashirjuma
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