The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to avoid political wars to maintain the political vibrancy of the party.
In a statement on his official X account on Tuesday, October 28, the COTU boss said that the Nairobi lawmaker must cooperate with other senior officials from the party, especially at this time when it lost Raila Odinga, whom he labelled as a glue that united the party.
Atwoli affirmed that unity between the party's leadership and members will be fundamental in preserving Raila's legacy at the party.
Before passing on, Raila consistently emphasised the importance of unity at the party, especially after it started working with President William Ruto's administration, a move that has, since then, faced opposition from some of the party members, including Sifuna.
Furthermore, Atwoli urged Sifuna to avoid leaders and other political stakeholders who are trying to encourage him to ignite 'small wars' at the party, which might end up leading to division.
"Senator Edwin Sifuna must now show maturity as he leads the ODM party. My advice to Sifuna is this: remain calm, avoid unnecessary political wars now, and honour Raila Odinga’s legacy by standing with the party during this sensitive period. Raila was the glue that united us all," Atwoli said.
"I liked the wisdom in my son Edwin Sifuna reading that statement with Oburu Odinga standing beside him. Sifuna is NOW wise, and those advising him to start small wars within the ODM party are not helping him," he added.
The statement by Atwoli comes a day after the ODM leadership affirmed that it will remain united to pave the way for the next phase of the party leadership.
The announcement was made after the party's Central Management Committee endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the interim party leader and urged all ODM members to back him during the party's transition period.
In a statement on Monday, October 28, the party claimed that it will kickstart a nationwide consolidation drive to strengthen its grassroots grip ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Additionally, according to Sifuna, the party will still hold its 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa on the 15th and 16th of November, where party members will highlight the former prime minister's contribution to the party.
On the other hand, Sifuna said that the party will also hold nationwide memorial events in honour of the late Raila Odinga.
The services, according to the SG, will start in Kilifi on the 2nd and 3rd of November before proceeding to Homa Bay and Migori counties on the 5th and 6th.
“The party will hold various memorial events across the country to enable the party to interact with those he inspired,” Sifuna said.
