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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna received a warm and notable embrace from Ida Odinga during a gathering at the Odinga family home in Karen, a moment that caught the attention of both attendees and social media users.

The gathering, held on Wednesday, January 7, marked what would have been Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday. Although the former ODM leader has passed, supporters and political leaders converged at the Karen residence to celebrate his enduring political legacy.

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Among them was ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, whose role in the party has recently come under scrutiny.

Sifuna’s Position in ODM Under Pressure

Sifuna has faced internal calls to step down over his firm opposition to the Broad-Based Government and President William Ruto’s administration.

A formal motion seeking his removal as ODM Secretary General was tabled by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch but later withdrawn on January 6.

Sources suggest that Mama Ida’s intervention may have helped calm tensions and restore a sense of unity within the party.

A Hug That Spoke Volumes

In a video that has since gone viral, Ida Odinga is seen welcoming leaders who had gathered at the compound, including Lang’ata MP Jalang’o, Makadara MP George Aladwa, and Kasarani MP Donald Karauri.

She greeted most with a handshake, but when it was Sifuna’s turn, she pulled him into a warm, full embrace.

Ida Odinga hugging Edwin Sifuna//Ezekiel Aminga

The gesture was widely interpreted as symbolic, signalling Ida’s personal support for Sifuna at a time when his loyalty and position were under question.

General Osumo, who shared the clip online, highlighted the moment:

“Nairobi legislators visit Raila Odinga’s family to celebrate Baba’s 81st birthday in absentia. Noticed something unique — Mama Ida greeted all the other MPs with a handshake, but when it came to Sifuna, she gave him a warm and hearty hug. Sifuna is Mama’s heart in the ODM Party.”

ALSO READ: Sifuna- Why I quit my 400K job

Reactions to the Hug

Social media users quickly picked up on the difference in treatment, linking it to Sifuna’s political standing within ODM:

  • @SirOngeri: “Buana Sifuna has the blessings of the Odinga family. That’s why he speaks with such courage — nobody can oust him from ODM.”

  • @dannyobhai: “Hii si itauma wengine kama @oketchgicheru, Alai, na kina @SamuelAtandi. Mama’s gesture speaks louder than words.”

  • @WendoAli: “Handshake for everyone else, hug for Sifuna. He played it smart, and Mama Ida’s approval is clear.”

  • @TangoFox_: “That hug tells the story — Sifuna isn’t just any leader in ODM, he’s Mama Ida’s man.”

Ida Odinga looking on as Edwin Sifuna//Ezekiel Aminga

Political analysts also weighed in, noting that the embrace appeared to be a public endorsement from the Odinga family, subtly signalling Sifuna’s backing within the party despite recent internal tensions.

Sifuna Meets Oburu Oginga

Ahead of the gathering, Sifuna reportedly held a private meeting with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga. Sources say the discussion focused on internal party cohesion and strategies to strengthen ODM ahead of upcoming political engagements.