Top leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Sunday rallied behind President William Ruto during the funeral service for former Prime Minister and party leader Raila Odinga. They said that the party’s decision to collaborate with the government was guided by Raila himself and should be honored beyond his death.
Amid uncertainty about ODM’s future, leaders, including Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Governors James Orengo, Simba Arati, Abdulswamad Sherrif, among other party officials, stated that continued support for President Ruto would fulfill Raila’s final political wish.
“I want to tell President Ruto—do not be shaken. A true leader directs his people before he dies. Before he left us, Baba showed us that he wanted us in government. As a community and party, we will remain in the broad-based government and work with President Ruto,” said Treasury CS John Mbadi, a former ODM Chairperson, noting that Raila made it clear that the Luo community and ODM were to work within government.
His Mining counterpart, Hassan Joho, who served as ODM Deputy Party Leader before his appointment to Ruto’s cabinet, insisted that his loyalty to Raila remains steadfast, even in death.
“I have never betrayed Raila, not when he was alive, and not after his death. I cannot be in a place where Raila did not send me. He is the one who took us into President Ruto’s government, and that is where I belong and where I will stay,” he stated.
Joho also cautioned against what he described as internal sabotage within the Orange Democratic Movement, warning that any member or official attempting to undermine the party would face consequences.
“Anyone thinking they can break ODM will be shown the door. We will remove them, and this party will stand,” he warned.
Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Sherrif echoed Joho’s sentiments, stating, “Baba, in his wisdom, guided us into a broad-based government with President Ruto. We did not betray you in life, and we will not betray you in death.” He expressed gratitude for President Ruto’s support for the ODM leader until his passing.
“If it were not for President Ruto’s government, how would we have managed this funeral? Raila taught us to honor people who stand with us in difficult times. We are grateful to the President,” he added.
Siaya Governor James Orengo also thanked Ruto for honoring their leader with a state funeral.
“This is the first time a leader from the Luo community has received a full state funeral with military honors. Not even Jaramogi was given that. Thank you, Mr. President,” he said, paying tribute to Raila’s legacy of unity and dialogue. “That was the true spirit of Raila Odinga, that Kenya must remain in dialogue, united and bound together as brothers.”
However, he challenged the head of state to uphold the agreement made between the ruling party and Raila’s ODM.
“President Ruto, I am confident that you will honour the agreement you made with Baba. That is how his legacy will continue to burn,” he stated.
Another ODM Deputy Party Leader, Godfrey Osotsi, echoed this sentiment, reminding the government of the 10-point agenda and urging its implementation for Kenyans to fully appreciate Raila’s sacrifice.
In contrast, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna adopted a more cautious tone.
“This is not the time for divisive politics in ODM. As leaders, we must show unity so that members follow our example. I will not be part of those who bring down Raila Odinga’s party,” he said, asserting that cooperation with Ruto would only last until 2027.
“ODM will decide its future then. Cooperation does not mean automatic support for anyone’s re-election.” the outspoken Nairobi Senator remarked
