Kwaheri Baba: ODM unity call takes centre stage as Babu Owino, Sifuna draw huge applause

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Calls for unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) dominated speeches at the late Raila Amolo Odinga’s state funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, as leaders pledged to honour his legacy by keeping the movement intact despite his passing.

National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo Mabona and her Senate counterpart Ledama Ole Kina assured mourners that the party would remain united even without Raila’s guidance.

“I spoke with Baba on Monday from India. After telling me that he was fine, he repeated that ODM must remain united. We will ensure that this party does not split,” Millie said.

The call for unity stems from memories of 1994, when Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, died, and his party — the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD) — split into Ford Kenya and Ford Asili soon after.

Seme MP James Nyikal, who chairs the Luo MPs caucus, confirmed that Raila had personally directed them to remain in the broad-based government arrangement.

“Before he travelled, Baba told us clearly to remain in the broad-based government and use it to push for the country’s unity,” Dr Nyikal said.

Senator Ledama Ole Kina said they would continue working with the government as Raila had wished.

“Baba has died while we are in the broad-based government. We have no option but to remain there,” he added.

Party insiders, however, say there are signs that some youthful MPs — including Babu Owino, Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Geoffrey Otsotsi — are charting a different course within the party.

Since the signing of the broad-based agreement with the government, the youthful legislators have occasionally taken a more confrontational tone, sparking speculation of internal rifts.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna dismissed such speculation, saying ODM belongs to all Kenyans and unity is non-negotiable.

“Baba, ODM is one of your biggest legacies, and I will not be the one to kill it,” he said.

ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said with over seven million members nationwide, ODM must remain one party and continue pursuing Raila’s vision for Kenya.

Governor Wanga introduced the National Steering Committee members and urged them to strengthen ODM structures across the country.

Owino and Sifuna received the loudest applause from the crowd, with supporters praising them for their fearless defence of Raila’s legacy and consistent engagement with the youth.

Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir said ODM will show its strength in the upcoming by-elections in Kasipul, Magarini and Ugunja.

Mr Nassir vowed that the party will remain in government even after the 2027 General Election.

"Baba you asked us to be in government.  I want to promise you that we shall do that.  In 2027, two things will happen- either we will be in government or we will be the government," he said.