They Forgot It Was a Funeral - Martha Karua Slams ODM, Ruto Over Raila’s Send-Off

People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has criticized the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto for what she termed as turning the late Raila Odinga's funeral into a political endorsement event rather than a respectful send-off.

Speaking at a local radio station on Tuesday, October 21, Karua expressed disappointment with how the funeral proceedings were conducted, particularly the exclusion of opposition voices.

"If you listen to Dr. William Ruto, you would think that he and the late Raila Odinga shared a lot in common, but absolutely not, because he stands for something totally different," Karua stated.

The former presidential running mate took issue with what she described as a choreographed display by a section of ODM members who appeared more focused on celebrating their alliance with the State than mourning their departed leader.

"Even the choreographed group from within ODM, who were only singing praises of the union with the State, seemed to forget that they were at a funeral. Was it a ceremony to endorse the union between ODM and Dr. Ruto or was it the burial of the Right Hon. Raila Odinga?" she questioned.

Karua accused the organizers of attempting to gain political advantage from the solemn occasion while deliberately shutting out dissenting voices.

"They were trying to make political capital out of it and that is why there was no room for divergent opinions. They could have allowed one or two members from the opposition side to speak. It would also have made sense to give me time to speak as his running mate," she added.

During the funeral held on Sunday, October 19, President Ruto suggested a potential partnership with ODM for the 2027 General Election.

The President pledged to support ODM's continuity and warned against attempts to destabilize the party, stating that he would not allow it to be destroyed by those seeking to play opposition politics.

"By the grace of God, ODM will either form the government or be part of the next government. What I cannot allow, out of respect for Raila, and I will do everything I can with God's help, is for those who want to destroy the ODM party and go play opposition politics outside. That will not happen," Ruto declared.

However, Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna appeared to differ with those suggesting automatic support for Ruto's re-election bid.

While acknowledging Raila's mentorship role in his political career, Sifuna emphasized that ODM would not play a subordinate role to any other political formation in 2027.

The senator referenced Raila's pronouncement to ODM MPs on September 22, insisting that the party must prepare to contest the next general election.

"Baba Raila Odiga spoke openly to the country on September 22 to the ODM MPs. I asked leaders not to come up with non-existent statements. Baba said that ODM must prepare for the 2027 General Election. To those spreading non-existent pronouncements, Baba wondered where you got all that from," Sifuna said.

Raila's younger sister, Ruth Odinga, who serves as Kisumu County Woman Representative, urged party members to maintain unity and avoid factional divisions.

She disclosed that Raila had shared his vision for the party's future shortly before his passing, emphasizing the need for ODM to remain united and strong.

"He told me the day before he passed on that ODM must be united and it must be strong. We cannot be having groups within the party. We can't have another group who thinks it owns the party, and another one wanting to take over. Some of you want to take the party you don't know where it started. The party belongs to all of us," Ruth stated.

The ODM party is currently under the interim leadership of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who will hold the position until a substantive leader is elected. His appointment was based on his experience and the influence he commanded alongside Raila.

The party remains divided over its relationship with President Ruto's government, a rift that existed even during Raila's lifetime.

Earlier in March this year, Raila had led ODM into a working arrangement with the ruling UDA party.