Raila Odinga’s Sister Dispels Rumors of Suspicion Towards Edwin Sifuna
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has vehemently refuted claims suggesting that the late Raila Odinga harbored mistrust towards Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Ruth Odinga, who is also Raila Odinga’s sister, asserted that her brother was never a leader who engaged in clandestine conversations or fostered suspicion among his allies. She further cautioned against narratives that attempt to portray certain individuals as having had a more privileged relationship with Raila Odinga than others.
The assertion comes in the wake of statements made by businessman Oketch Salah, who alleged that Raila Odinga had become suspicious of Senator Sifuna, who also serves as the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Ruth Odinga made these remarks on Monday, December 29, following a gathering at her home in Nyahera, where she hosted a delegation of veterans from Kenya’s multiparty reform struggle. She described the occasion as a moment for deep reflection on the arduous journey towards democracy and the significant sacrifices made by those who participated in the struggle, many of whom paid the ultimate price.
“It was humbling this evening to host a delegation of veterans of the multiparty reform struggle at my home in Nyahera. It was a moment of nostalgia, remembering the struggle and the price that came with it. Some died along the way,” the legislator stated, emphasizing the gravity of their historical contribution.
Raila Odinga’s Approach to Engagement
It was within this solemn context that Ruth Odinga directly addressed the controversial claims that have ignited considerable debate within the ODM party. She firmly maintained that Raila Odinga was not the type of leader who would engage in whispered suspicions behind closed doors or orchestrate secret conversations aimed at undermining his colleagues.
According to Ruth Odinga, the former Prime Minister was known for his open engagement with individuals from all societal strata and never operated as someone who spread gossip or insinuation. She stressed that anyone purporting to have had a series of private discussions with Raila Odinga on a wide array of sensitive matters was, in fact, misleading the public.
“Anyone telling Kenyans that Hon. Raila had a series of private conversations with him on a wide range of issues is lying, and must be called out. Jakom had a way of speaking his mind and would make public his stand on national issues,” she added, highlighting Raila Odinga’s characteristic directness.
Challenging Narratives of Exclusive Access
The Kisumu MP also took issue with attempts to construct narratives that suggest certain individuals enjoyed exclusive access or a uniquely close relationship with the late ODM leader. Ruth Odinga underscored that Senator Sifuna, in his dual capacity as Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General, was as much a “son” of Raila Odinga as any other member of the party, and maintained open lines of communication with him.
She issued a stern warning against narratives that seek to elevate one individual’s perceived closeness to the late ODM leader above others. She argued that such sentiments are divisive and detrimental, particularly during the current post-Raila Odinga era, where unity is paramount.
“Talking of Baba’s sons, Nairobi Senator and ODM SG, Edwin Sifuna was equally his son and used to talk to him. So no one should claim to have been closer to Raila than everyone else,” Ruth stated, advocating for a more equitable understanding of relationships within the party.
The Context of Accusations Against Sifuna
These remarks arrive at a time when Senator Sifuna is reportedly facing mounting pressure within the ODM party. A faction within the party has accused him of allegedly sabotaging its interests, especially as the ODM navigates a complex relationship with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
These accusations gained significant traction after Oketch, who describes himself as Raila Odinga’s adopted son, alleged that the late Raila Odinga had begun to doubt Sifuna’s loyalty prior to his passing. Oketch claimed that Raila Odinga had grown wary of Sifuna’s actions, particularly his public criticisms of the perceived broad-based arrangement between the ODM and UDA.
He further alleged that Raila Odinga believed Sifuna was acting as a mole for other interests, but had opted not to dismiss him immediately. Oketch also claimed that Raila Odinga had anticipated Sifuna’s resistance to any form of cooperation with President Ruto, and had warned that the senator was merely biding his time within the party while pursuing his own undisclosed agenda. Ruth Odinga’s statements directly challenge these assertions, seeking to present a more unified and less suspicious portrayal of Raila Odinga’s relationships.
