Oburu Oginga Claims Raila Was Fed Up with Edwin Sifuna Days Before He Died

Oburu Oginga Claims Raila Was Fed Up with Edwin Sifuna Days Before He Died

Fresh revelations by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga have reignited debate within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), following claims that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had grown increasingly frustrated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in the months leading up to his death.

Speaking during a radio interview on Hot 96 FM, Oburu painted a picture of internal tensions within the party, suggesting that disagreements between Raila and Sifuna had escalated significantly prior to the veteran leader’s passing in India. The remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“What I knew is that Raila Odinga was not happy with what Sifuna was doing,” Oburu said, setting the tone for a candid recount of events that he claimed strained relations at the top of the party.

According to the senator, one of the defining moments of the fallout occurred during a delegates’ meeting in Kakamega, where Sifuna allegedly orchestrated a public display that embarrassed Raila. Oburu claimed that a group of youths disrupted the meeting with chants perceived to undermine the former prime minister’s authority.

“He organised some youths who behaved like goons, chanting ‘Sifuna, Sifuna’ and shouting ‘one term, one term’ at him,” Oburu alleged. “Raila had no option but to stand up and say that Sifuna had a democratic right. You could clearly see the embarrassment he was in at the time.”

The claims, while yet to be independently verified, have added fuel to an already simmering internal contest within ODM, where factions have increasingly emerged over leadership direction and strategy.

Oburu further disclosed that he personally confronted Sifuna following the incident, warning him about what he termed as conduct that undermined party unity and respect for senior leadership. His remarks underscored a broader concern about discipline within party ranks.

“Do you think you are so important that you cannot be removed? We have seen many people like you in our political life,” he said, recalling the exchange. “There is nothing particularly serious happening now that has not happened before.”

Beyond the specific incident, Oburu suggested that the tensions reflected deeper ideological and generational divides within ODM, particularly as younger leaders push for greater influence while established figures seek to maintain continuity.

He dismissed suggestions that Sifuna’s political standing posed a significant threat to the party’s stability, maintaining that ODM had weathered similar internal conflicts in the past.

“I do not see any exceptional qualities in you that are better than those we have seen in others before. Why should I be worried?” he posed. “But what I knew for sure is that Raila was completely fed up with Sifuna.”

The senator also took issue with Sifuna’s public criticism of senior party officials, describing it as disrespectful and counterproductive. He insisted that leadership positions within ODM are not permanent and can be reviewed if necessary.

“We don’t have to go and beg him. He is not the Pope,” Oburu stated bluntly. “He is the secretary general of ODM. He can be removed like any other official.”

Sifuna, who has remained in office despite earlier speculation about his possible removal, has in recent months positioned himself as a vocal figure within the party, occasionally expressing views that differ from sections of the ODM leadership.

Political analysts say the unfolding dispute could signal a broader realignment within ODM as it prepares for the next electoral cycle. Some observers argue that the party may be balancing the need to retain experienced leadership while accommodating emerging voices seeking reform.

While Oburu’s claims have sparked fresh scrutiny, neither Sifuna nor other senior ODM officials had issued an immediate response by the time of publication.

As the party navigates this delicate period, the spotlight remains firmly on how it will manage internal dissent while preserving unity, a factor that could prove decisive in shaping its political trajectory in the years ahead.

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Oburu Oginga Claims Raila Was Fed Up with Edwin Sifuna Days Before He Died