Nothing simplifies a complex and controversial matter of public interest better than recourse to authentic references.

As we in ODM continue the rigorous search for Baba Raila Odinga’s will, the following quotations are worth regurgitating:

 “When Mr (Edwin) Sifuna speaks, he speaks on behalf of the party,” Raila Odinga is remembered saying.

Then follows Prof Anyang Nyong’o’s injection: “We in the party sourced Sifuna from his professional work to bring him in the party…Let’s all support him. This guy is built for the future… Ukiangalia huko mbele, utaona Sifuna (When you look into the future, you will see Sifuna). You know what I mean.”

“(Nairobi) Senator Sifuna is more than qualified to be the president of this country,” Siaya County Governor James Orengo concludes my ‘research’.

What are these three personalities in the life of both the national struggle and the life of ODM?

Many things serve as their common denominators. That the three occupy top five ODM membership positions is not enough. The number one binding glue of these ODM legends is their “ideology.”

And what the hell is that?

“Ideology is formed when people with similar thinking and values group together, discuss and agree upon a particular viewpoint and structure it to make it stronger and codified, and finally propagate this idea into the masses to gain support. Every political party in every nation has its own ideology, and these ideologies further shape the future and priorities of the party.”

Responsible utterances by any leaders of a party draw their content, counsel and wisdom from an ideology. Baba might have been official, as he typically was when discussing ODM, stating:

“When the secretary general speaks, he speaks on behalf of the party.”

However, he deliberately opted to be precise, saying:

“When Mr Sifuna speaks…”

In summary, he expressed: “I have confidence in and endorse what Sifuna is stating as a person and as secretary general of ODM. It is a double endorsement.

To comprehend Baba’s expectations of his secretary general it is essential to examine Baba’s own six-month term as the secretary general of New Kanu party, which followed the merger of his NDP and Kanu on March 18, 2002.

During one night of his stay in Oslo, another Kenyan and I engaged in a political discussion with Baba at his hotel past midnight. We pressed him to clarify the reasons behind his merger with Kanu, which he did. He also explained his decision to become the secretary general of the new Kanu:

“The secretary general embodies the party’s energy. It was essential to have someone who is dynamic, dedicated to bringing change, and cannot compromised,” Baba stated.

The following day after the merger, he arrived at his new office (Kanu headquarters) by 6 am and started reaching out to all the branches and organised visits. Within two months, he had toured all the branches.

“I became acquainted with all the branch officials, distinguishing between the active officials and those inactive who we temporarily replaced. I also updated the list of delegates.”

The office of secretary general had enabled him to capture the heart and soul of the Kanu party in that: “By July 2002, we were prepared for any decision made by Nyayo (former President Daniel arap Moi). We were urging him to agree that the new presidential candidate for Kanu should be elected by delegates from the NDC. We had the delegates. However, if he were to impose a candidate upon us, we would exit with the most capable officials of Kanu and leave with him mediocrities”.

From the foregoing, it is easy to understand the degree of trust Raila had, first, in Nyong’o the founding secretary general and later, Edwin Sifuna. He consciously bestowed immense powers on these two as ideological and political custodians of his organisation.

Ever since Jaramogi Oginga died on January 20, 1994, only three politicians from his geographical space have risen to a level qualified to be presidents of this country. All three are well known, respected nationally and internationally, and are ideologically rooted: They are Raila Odinga, Prof Nyong’o and James Orengo.

Baba Raila Amollo Odinga, recognised as ODM life member number one and the inaugural party leader, nominated Mr Sifuna to speak for him in his lifetime. Prof Nyong’o, serving as ODM life member number two and the first secretary general, supported this nomination and James Orengo, as the party’s vanguard, is making sure that Baba’s proposal is implemented in his absence.

Against this background and all factors considered, it should make sense to say that the spirit of Baba continues to thrive and bring joy in Linda Mwanainchi initiative.

Within the ODM, there exists a competition to swiftly eliminate any association with Baba. The greatest act of betrayal occurred during their first Special Delegates Convention following Baba’s passing, Going by their hurry, it is not mad to wonder whether they even took a moment’s silence in his honour?

Fellow patriots, lets drop the pretence. The legends of the party chose their successor in good time. They did not just indicate, they named him.

Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega and Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa pronounced where Raila’s spirit now resides. Let us embrace the new Sherrifs in town: Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, James Orengo, Godfrey Osotsi and Caleb Amisi, among others.

• A Tell Media report / By Peter Owino Ranginya / Courtesy: Wafula Buke