Francis Atwoli, secretary general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions, has advised Orange Democratic Movement secretary general Edwin Sifuna to prioritize unity in the party following Raila Odinga's death. Atwoli emphasized cooperation with senior leaders to preserve Odinga's legacy amid internal challenges. This comes as ODM endorses Oburu Odinga as interim leader.
Francis Atwoli, secretary general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), issued a statement on his official X account on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, urging Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general Edwin Sifuna to steer clear of internal political conflicts. Atwoli described Sifuna as a 'man in the eye of the storm' for criticizing President William Ruto's government despite ODM's broad-based arrangement with the administration.
Atwoli highlighted the need for Sifuna to cooperate with senior party officials, especially now that Raila Odinga, whom he called the 'glue that united us all,' has passed away. '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,' Atwoli stated. He added, '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.'
This advice follows ODM's Central Management Committee meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, where the party affirmed its unity and endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as interim leader. The party plans a nationwide consolidation drive to strengthen its grassroots ahead of the 2027 General Election. Additionally, ODM will hold its 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa on November 15 and 16, 2025, and nationwide memorial events for Odinga, starting in Kilifi on November 2 and 3, then Homa Bay and Migori on November 5 and 6.
Sifuna noted, 'The party will hold various memorial events across the country to enable the party to interact with those he inspired.' Raila Odinga had consistently stressed unity, particularly after ODM began collaborating with Ruto's administration, a move opposed by some members including Sifuna.