Raila’s spirit left ODM: Funyula MP says Sifuna is the new heir to Odinga’s legacy

Funyula Member of Parliament Wilberforce Oundo Mudenyo has declared that the "spirit" and values of late ODM leader Raila Odinga have moved from the current party leadership to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement. Speaking on the night of September 14, 2026, Oundo argued that Odinga's ideals of democracy, social justice, and defending ordinary Kenyans had left ODM and its figures, including party leader Oburu Oginga, chairperson Gladys Wanga, and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.

He accused these senior ODM figures of abandoning the values that defined Raila's politics, stating that the vibrancy, energy, commitment, and social justice values moved to the Linda Mwananchi movement. Oundo emphasized that Raila was more than just ODM and that his spirit and values have reincarnated in Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi brigade.

This comes as Sifuna gains prominence within the Linda Mwananchi movement, which challenges President William Ruto's administration. Political analysts believe ODM's internal tensions have strengthened Sifuna's standing by portraying him as the party's most visible defender of Raila's traditional opposition politics. ODM's leadership dispute continues, with Sifuna challenging his removal as Secretary General by the National Executive Committee.

The Linda Mwananchi movement presents itself as the platform carrying forward Raila's emphasis on constitutional rights, accountability, and social justice.