Mama Ida Odinga appealed to senior officers of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to put their internal differences aside, unite, and honour the legacy of the late Raila Odinga by keeping the party whole, focused, and playing its national role.

Her statement comes at the backdrop of mounting disagreement between ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the party's Director of Elections, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed. The two are in disagreement over accusations of mishandling campaign finances during Raila Odinga's unsuccessful presidential bid in 2022, with public spat exposing the internal divisions after Raila's demise.

The unresolved matter between the two leaders has caused an uproar within the ranks of the ODM, with supporters lining up along factions. Political analysts say the saga has shed light on the hurdles confronting the party as it strives for leadership and unity in its wake of post-Raila era.

Speaking on Wednesday in Karen during events marking what would have been Raila Odinga's 81st birthday, Mama Ida stated, "This is a time for self-speaks for reconciliation." Safeguarding the party's unity would be a good tribute to Raila and would also serve the country well.

Mama Ida Odinga speaks during the late Raila Odinga's birthday celebrations in Karen, Nairobi on January 7, 2026. Photo/Courtesy

Mama Ida said that Raila strongly believed in dialogue and consultation as the foundations of leadership. She urged party leaders to ask themselves how Raila would have behaved with regard to the present mendacity.

"If we reflect honestly, we know what Baba would have done. He would have called everyone to the table and asked them to talk through their differences," she said, adding that open discussion and mutual understanding were central to Raila's approach.

She noted that Raila Odinga held extensive consultations within the party and among the public before taking major decisions; this culture, she said, has kept ODM firmly grounded and responsive to the people. According to Mama Ida, this culture of inclusivity should remain the guiding principle of the party's leadership.

Stressing Raila's dedication to ODM, she urged the leaders and the entire membership to work together to buttress the party's strength and cohesion while expressing her appreciation to ODM rank and file who stood by Raila through all political endeavors until his demise.

The fight between Sifuna and Junet became public during the funeral of the mother of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, where Sifuna accused Junet of mishandling campaign funds allegedly given by the former president Uhuru Kenyatta. According to him, they were funds given to pay the polling agents, which he said caused the loss to Raila in several key areas.

Junet vehemently dismissed the allegations, countering that the money landed on several members of Uhuru Kenyatta's inner circles and claimed some of the money went to Sifuna as well. The exchange seemed to heighten divisions in the party, with members taking sides openly.

After that incident, Migori senator Eddy Oketch would then sir the waters for the expulsion of Sifuna from ODM leadership on the administrative grounds. The author, however, withdrew the motion in respect of what he described as Raila Odinga's emphasis on dialogue and peaceful resolution of such disputes.

Mama Ida's appeal is viewed as a call for tranquillity and self-reflection for the ODM party to honour Raila Odinga's legacy of unity, consultation, and principled leadership.