ODM:Sifuna, Mbadi Make Peace After Fiery Exchange in Front of Raila: “I Belong to ODM”

Sifuna, Mbadi Make Peace After Fiery Exchange in Front of Raila: “I Belong to ODM”

A dramatic moment unfolded in Homa Bay as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi clashed — and reconciled — at the burial of slain Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were on Friday, May 9.

The funeral, already heavy with grief, turned into a political stage. Mbadi addressed recent criticism from Sifuna, the ODM Secretary-General, who had accused party members in government of betraying the opposition.

Mbadi, however, stood firm.

“Baba, this county of Homa Bay is united in terms of leadership. We are united. We are in ODM,” Mbadi began, turning to Raila Odinga, the ODM party leader.
“Let me repeat, I am in ODM. I am not an official because the law does not allow me, but I am a member, a life member of ODM. I am not about to relinquish that.”

Mbadi Defends His Role

Mbadi reminded the crowd that his role in President Ruto’s government was not a betrayal but a mission.

“I have been the chairman of ODM for 10 years. I am the longest-serving chairman of ODM. And I belong to this party,” Mbadi declared.
“I have put a lot of effort since you sent us to the government.”

He went on to explain his motivation.

“The reason why I am putting a lot of effort to reform this economy… apart from being patriotic… is that I wanted to demonstrate to the whole world that if Raila Odinga became the president, these are the people you would have gone with to the government and this is what they would have done,” he explained passionately.

A Plea for Support

Mbadi then turned to Sifuna directly, calling for unity.

“If I am there, I expect total 100% support from the party. Starting with the secretary general, my brother Sifuna, please, I am a member of your party,” he appealed.
“If I fail, there is no way in 2027 you are talking about you will convince anyone that ODM can run a government.”

Sifuna and Mbadi Reconcile

The crowd watched in suspense. Then, in a moment that electrified the gathering, Sifuna walked over to Mbadi.

They shook hands and hugged, sending waves of cheers and murmurs through the crowd.

Raila Calls for Calm

Later, Raila addressed the tension.

“Sifuna, as secretary-general, represents the party’s official stance,” Raila acknowledged.
“However, Sifuna, moderate your remarks to maintain party unity,” he urged.

This burial, though marked by grief, unexpectedly became a stage for political healing.

ALSO READ:Raila Urges Sifuna to Tone Down but Affirms His Voice for ODM

Sifuna, Mbadi Make Peace After Fiery Exchange in Front of Raila: “I Belong to ODM”