Sifuna Reveals Lessons He Picked from Raila That Will Guide His Political Career

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has reflected on lessons he learnt from the late Raila Odinga and cited them as the guiding compass of his political journey as the country draws closer to the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in a moving birthday tribute to the fallen opposition icon, Sifuna portrayed Raila as a towering national figure whose presence and influence went beyond party politics and whose absence is still deeply felt across the country.

Sifuna admitted that Raila’s death left a void that time has not healed, noting that many Kenyans are still struggling to come to terms with the loss.

“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 the nation and us means we may never stop mourning,” he said.

He added that Raila’s birthday offered a rare moment to pause from grief and instead celebrate a life defined by courage, sacrifice, and an unshakable commitment to justice.

Also Read:Ruto Honors Raila Odinga With Heartfelt Birthday Message

Courage, Sacrifice and Principle

According to Sifuna, the 80 years Raila lived were marked by “an uncompromising belief in freedom and justice, the pursuit of which Raila neither wavered nor relented.”

He said this unwavering consistency is one of the most critical lessons he carries forward.

“In moments when compromise was convenient, he chose principle. In moments when silence was safer, he chose resistance,” Sifuna stated, describing Raila as a leader who consistently placed the country before self, even at great personal cost.

Defender of Multiparty Democracy

Sifuna recalled Raila’s historic role as Kenya’s “foremost second liberation warrior” and the acknowledged father of multiparty democracy and the 2010 Constitution.

“Multiparty democracy was intended to be a smooth avenue to free expression and choice,” he said, explaining why Raila insisted on safeguarding party identity and independence, even in political agreements such as the MoU with President William Ruto.

He warned that recent political developments threaten the very ideals Raila fought for, citing “an emerging culture of impunity, intolerance, dictatorship and a conspiracy of silence” as signs of democratic regression.

Also Read: Odinga Family Thanks Ruto, World Leaders & Kenyans on Late Raila’s Birthday

A Call to a New Political Renaissance

Looking ahead to 2027, Sifuna said Raila’s mentees have a responsibility to defend constitutionalism and democratic space.

“It behoves all of us he mentored and nurtured to stand firm on principle and to lead a new political renaissance,” he said, one that aligns with the Constitution’s promise of sovereignty of the people, equality, social justice, and the rule of law.

Staying the Course

As he concluded, Sifuna reaffirmed his commitment to Raila’s legacy, declaring that fear and fatigue have no place in the struggle for justice.

“We do not have the luxury of rest, nor do we possess any fear in pursuit of Raila’s ideals,” he said, adding, “On his birthday, we renew our dedication to the principles he stood for by staying the course on the path he charted for us.”

He closed the tribute with a simple but emotional message: “Happy birthday, Baba.”

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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. PHOTO/Courtesy.