Lawyer Paul Mwangi claims Sifuna camp was Raila’s fallback plan in politics with Ruto

Mwangi argued that the turbulence currently playing out in ODM reflects a long-standing contest between two broad camps he said have existed within Raila’s political orbit for years: a political-diplomatic wing and a militant wing.

He said the debate on which side truly carries Raila’s political legacy is misplaced, insisting both groupings reflect different dimensions of Raila’s leadership.

“What you're having today is actually a fight between two Raila factions: a political-diplomatic faction and a militant faction. Raila was a multifaceted political character, and each group represents a different aspect of his legacy,” Mwangi said.

According to Mwangi, the militant camp has historically served as a strategic fallback whenever political engagements became difficult. He claimed the grouping aligned with Sifuna featured in that contingency plan.

“Raila would not engage in anything without an exit strategy. If things did not work out, or if there was a clash with the corporate side, he would turn to the militant faction and rally them as a fallback,” he said, adding that even during Raila’s cooperation with President Ruto, there were built-in alternatives.

Mwangi’s remarks come amid rising internal tensions within ODM, with Sifuna publicly hinting he may not continue serving as the party’s Secretary General under the new party leadership.

Speaking to supporters during what the Linda Mwananchi faction described as the ‘People’s’ National Delegates Convention (NDC) at Ufungamano House on Friday, Sifuna suggested he was ready to step aside, saying he would not serve under what he termed “mediocrity” following the party’s leadership transition after Raila’s death last year.

“It has been the honour of my life to be the Secretary General of probably the greatest politician this country will ever see, Raila Amollo Odinga,” he said.

“Sasa nataka mniangalie vizuri; yaani mnataka kuniambia naweza kuwa katibu mkuu wa ODM, katibu mkuu wa Raila Odinga, miaka nane, and then I become the SG of mediocrity? Oburu tafuta SG wako, mimi siwezi kuwa SG wa Oburu. I will not be the SG of mediocrity, after Raila Odinga, you characters don’t deserve me,” he added, in remarks widely interpreted as a public resignation or a refusal to serve under the new regime led by Dr Oburu Oginga.

Even as he struck a defiant tone, the Nairobi Senator said leadership positions are ultimately decided by voters, dismissing suggestions that losing the office would weaken him politically.

“Sifuna sio mwoga, kazi yoyote ambayo mtanituma kufanya kwa ajili ya taifa la Kenya, hiyo kazi ndio Sifuna atafanya… Nafasi zote za uongozi Kenya hii, zinapeanwa na nyinyi wananchi; leo nikinyang’anywa nafasi yoyote, mimi naamini mtanirudishia yote 2027,” he said.

Sifuna also said he does not consider himself entitled to remain Secretary General indefinitely, noting that other capable leaders exist within the party, but insisted any attempt to replace him must follow ODM’s constitutional procedures.

“Sifuna was not born to be the Secretary General of ODM forever… Ndani ya chama kuna vijana wengi ambao wanaweza kufanya hii kazi, lakini ukitaka kureplace Sifuna fuata katiba ya chama; itisha NDC ambayo kila mtu anaenda kwa debe, walete candidate wao alafu akutane na mimi,” he said.