A close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly sided with blogger Robert Alai after a video surfaced showing ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna being stopped by Military Police during the burial of ODM boss and Broad-Based Government partner Raila Odinga in Bondo.
In the viral clip shared by Alai here, Sifuna is seen arriving at the VVIP entrance dressed casually in tight trousers and a shirt.
Security officers reportedly questioned his identity, with one asking, “How are you?” Sifuna responded with a smile, saying he was “not fine,” before the brief standoff ended.
The video quickly sparked online debate, with Gachagua’s ally criticizing Sifuna’s attire as inappropriate for such a high-profile and solemn ceremony.
The supporter emphasized that, as Secretary General of the ruling party’s partner and Nairobi Senator, Sifuna should have demonstrated greater decorum.
Observers note that the rare alignment between Alai and a Gachagua supporter underscores a shared expectation across political divides: even seasoned leaders are expected to uphold standards of respect when mourning national figures like Raila Odinga.
Reactions among ODM supporters have been mixed. Some defended Sifuna, arguing that his presence was more important than his outfit, while others contended that his appearance should have set a positive example for younger politicians.
The brief tension at the gate highlighted the intense emotions surrounding Raila’s final sendoff.
As Kenyans continue to examine every detail of the historic funeral, Sifuna’s moment at the VVIP gate has added another layer to the political drama surrounding Raila Odinga’s final journey home.
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Politics