Sifuna Marks Raila’s Posthumous Birthday with Call to Defend Democracy and His Ideals

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, 7 January 2026 - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has marked what would have been Raila Odinga’s birthday with an emotional tribute, urging Kenyans and the late leader’s followers to safeguard the values he spent his life fighting for.

In a reflective statement, Sifuna said the country is still struggling to come to terms with Raila’s death nearly three months on, noting that the sense of loss remains deep and unresolved for many.

“Many of us are no closer to overcoming this loss than we were two months ago. Indeed, your larger-than-life profile and the impact you had on us and the nation means we may never stop mourning,” Sifuna said.

As Kenyans paused to remember Raila, Sifuna challenged his political allies, students and ideological mentees to carry forward his vision by championing a political renewal grounded in the Constitution. He said Raila’s legacy was firmly anchored in respect for diversity, equality, democracy, social justice and the rule of law.

“On his birthday, we renew our dedication to the principles he stood for, as we honour his memory and legacy by staying the course on this path he charted for us. Happy birthday Baba!” he added.

Sifuna described Raila’s 80-year life as one defined by courage, sacrifice and an unyielding commitment to freedom and justice. He hailed him as the country’s leading second liberation figure, a key driver of multiparty democracy and a principal architect of the 2010 Constitution, which ushered in devolution and sought to distribute national resources more equitably.

However, the ODM Secretary General warned that Raila’s absence had exposed the country to what he termed a worrying slide towards impunity and intolerance, calling on leaders mentored by the former prime minister to remain firm on principle.

“His death has created a platform for regression and shrinking of this space he envisaged, and more than ever, the country misses the wisdom and foresight of Baba,” Sifuna said.

He recalled Raila as a leader who consistently stood with the oppressed, spoke truth to power and placed national interest above personal comfort.

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“In moments when compromise was convenient, he chose principle. In moments when silence was safer, he chose resistance,” Sifuna noted.

The tribute comes against the backdrop of growing tensions within ODM following Raila’s death. Sifuna has dismissed calls by some party members for his removal as Secretary General, insisting that no individual or faction has the authority to oust him.

“You do not scare me. I want to assure Gachagua that no one has the power to kick me out of the ODM party. You can relax,” Sifuna said while attending the burial of Alice Wangari Gakuya, the mother of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, in Kigumo, Murang’a County.

He also reignited debate over ODM’s post-2022 election direction and the handling of campaign resources, claiming that former President Uhuru Kenyatta was the main financier of the party’s election efforts.

“The funds that we in ODM used for our campaigns largely came from former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He supported us in every possible way,” Sifuna said, accusing some party leaders of mismanaging resources that could have strengthened Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.

Despite the internal wrangles, Sifuna insisted that Raila’s ideals remain the guiding light for the party and the country, urging leaders to resist fear and complacency in defending democracy.

“We do not have the luxury of rest, nor do we possess any fear in pursuit of Raila’s ideals,” he said.