Political landscape within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been set ablaze by staunch defence of the embattled party’s Secretary General Edwin Watenya Sifuna from an influential, albeit unofficial, corner.

Dr. Ida Odinga, widow of former of ODM leader Raila Odinga, although holding no formal position within the party’s leadership hierarchy, has effectively drawn a line in the sand regarding the future of Sifuna.

Her weighing in comes at a delicate moment for the party, serving as a blunt dismissal of internal or external pressures seeking to dislodge the vocal senator from his powerful post. By weighing in so decisively, she has signalled that Sifuna’s tenure is not merely a matter of administrative appointment but one of deep-rooted loyalty and familial-like protection within the party’s inner sanctum.

Poignantly, Ida seemed to send a message to her brother in-law and Raila’s elder brother Oburu Odinga, that he is a predator roosting on a young brother’s laurels.

​Her rhetoric leaned heavily on the metaphor of kinship, framing the political struggle as a matter of inheritance and belonging.

Addressing those calling for a change in guard, she stated: ‘ Forget it. Edwin Sifuna is here to stay. He is Raila’s son. If the father dies, should the children be chased out of the family? “

This striking imagery places Sifuna directly under the political umbrella of the Odinga legacy, suggesting that his position is protected by a bond that transcends standard party protocols. It is a bold assertion of authority that reminds both critics and supporters that the influence of the ‘Matriarch’ remains a formidable force in shaping the movement’s direction.

​This public display of support arrived just as the Sifuna faction prepared for the highly anticipated Linda Wanainchi rally in Kitengela, Kajiado on Sunday. And the rally was electric!

The timing is clearly strategic, intended to project a front of absolute unity and stability as the party takes its message to the grassroots.

By quashing any rumours of leadership instability before the rally begins, Ida Odinga has ensured that the focus remains on the party’s populist agenda rather than internal friction.

For now, the message to Sifuna’s detractors is clear: the Secretary General is firmly entrenched, and the gates to the family house are closed to those seeking his exit.

• A Tell Media report / originally published By Nyanza Times