Sifuna Defends Onyonka, Rallies Opposition Unity at Kisii Burial Ceremony
News Updated: 15 May 2026 17:44 EAT
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and EALA MP Winnie Odinga share light moments at the late mother to Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka in Kisii
Edwin Sifuna delivered an emotional and politically charged speech during the burial ceremony of the late Mama Teresa, the mother of Richard Onyonka, in Kisii County where he defended his longtime ally, criticised the government and called for opposition unity ahead of the next general election.
The burial ceremony attracted senior political leaders from across the country, including opposition figures and ODM members, with mourners turning up in large numbers to console the Onyonka family during the emotional send-off.
Sifuna began his speech by expressing deep condolences to Senator Onyonka and describing him as one of his closest political allies and trusted friends within the opposition movement.
“Nimekuja hapa kumfariji ndugu yangu, rafiki yangu, rafiki wa kweli Mheshimiwa Seneta Onyonka.”
The Nairobi Senator recalled how Onyonka personally reached out to him shortly before the death of his mother, requesting him to visit and greet her despite her deteriorating health condition.
“Mheshimiwa Onyonka, nataka niseme pole sana kwa kumpoteza mama yako. Vile nilivyosema kule Nairobi, siku kabla mama kutuacha Onyonka alinitumia message akaniambia ndugu yangu mama yangu hakae hali nzuri kama inawezekana tafuta dakika hata 10 ukuje umsalimie.”
Sifuna used the occasion to praise Onyonka’s political consistency, saying Kenya urgently needs leaders who remain firm on principles instead of changing positions for political convenience.
“Huyu Onyonka ni mwanaume kamili na ni rafiki wa kweli kwa sababu ana msimamo. Kitu ambayo tunahitaji Kenya hii ni msimamo. Hapana leo unasema hii, kesho unasema ile ingine.”
The ODM Secretary General also spoke emotionally about the political challenges he has faced in recent months, saying he had lost many friends after internal disagreements within the opposition movement.
“Kama mnavyojua miezi miwili mitatu sita ambayo imepita tangu Baba atuache, nimepoteza marafiki wengi sana... niwaambie kwamba sitasahau kwamba walinisaliti wakati ambapo mambo yangu ilikuwa inaamuliwa.”
His remarks appeared to reference the growing political tensions within ODM and among opposition leaders following recent shifts in alliances and strategy after Raila Odinga reduced his active political engagements.
Sifuna further criticised leaders he accused of pretending to be courageous in public yet abandoning their principles when faced with pressure from those in power.
“Kumbe kuna simba zingine zikinyeshewa zinakuwa paka. Simba must go to talk draw ama tutoke draw ama sasa.”
The senator strongly criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to protect young people and suppressing citizens instead of addressing their concerns.
“Hatuwezi kusupport serikali ambayo inakandamiza wananchi. Mheshimiwa Osoro yeye anahesabu barabara. Sisi tunahesabu wale vijana Kasongo wameua.”
His comments drew loud cheers from sections of mourners who repeatedly interrupted the speech with chants supporting opposition leaders attending the funeral ceremony.
Sifuna maintained that opposition leaders would not be intimidated by threats or political pressure from the government, insisting that they would continue speaking against injustice and poor governance.
“Hamtatutisha bwana. Hamtatutisha na kitu yoyote.”
The Nairobi senator later shifted his speech toward the need for opposition unity, saying leaders opposed to President William Ruto must work together regardless of their personal differences.
“Kazi ya kufurusha William Ruto akuwe one term. Kurahisisha hiyo kazi inamaanisha tuweze kuketi pamoja kama viongozi wote ambao tunaamini he doesn't deserve an extra day in office.”
Sifuna acknowledged the political differences that have existed among opposition leaders in recent years but argued that unity was necessary to achieve a common political goal.
“Sisi wote lazima tukubali inter-personal feelings about each other. Hata huyo Rigathi Gachagua alikuwa anaamka 6 AM kututubia tear gas nikiwa na Baba 2023. Lakini kama yeye ndiye atashika mguu wa fisangi, ashike ile mguu ingine.”
He also invoked the legacy and teachings of ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying the opposition should remain committed to leaders and allies who share similar values and beliefs.
“Baba alisema tutembee na watu ambao maadili yetu inafanana na wao... tunasema pesa ambazo William Ruto ameiba chini ya serikali yake.”
Sifuna further defended his position as ODM Secretary General, saying he remains fully aware of the party’s structures, networks and long-standing allies across the country and abroad.
“Katibu Mkuu Mheshimiwa Kalonzo, the constitution of ODM says that I am the custodian of all the records of the party. Mimi ndio najua mahali marafiki wa Raila wako wote katika taifa hili la Kenya na nchi za nje.”
The senator also took time to appreciate Kisii residents for their continued support of Raila Odinga and ODM over the years, saying the region had remained loyal during difficult political moments.
“Nataka niseme hapa kama hakuna kiongozi wa ODM ashawahi kuwaambia asanteni sana watu wa Kisii kwa kushikilia Baba yetu miaka hiyo yote ambaye amekuwa akisimama kura.”
As he concluded his remarks, Sifuna said he often finds himself reminding Kenyans about the ideals Raila Odinga fought for over the years, even as critics question the current direction of the opposition movement.
“Siku hizi nikiongea najaribu kuwakumbusha ile vitu Baba alikuwa anasimamia... Baba alituambia tufanye. Wanatuambia huyo Baba yako saa hii ako wapi? Can you imagine? Can you imagine?”
The burial ceremony later ended with prayers and tributes in honour of Mama Teresa, who was remembered by leaders and mourners as a respected matriarch whose death brought together politicians from different political divides in a rare moment of unity and reflection.
Tags: Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice News Article Oburu Oburu Odinga Oburu Oginga Odm ODM ODM-UDA Pact One Term One term Political Parties Rest In Peace Signs Signs Media Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signst Signstv SignsTV Signstvfao Signstvkenya Signsv Ssignstv Wantam Wantam
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD