Raila Prado SUV Gift to Sifuna Sparks ODM Repossession Fight

Senior ODM figures Oburu Oginga and Gladys Wanga moved aggressively this week to seize the Prado SUV that Raila Odinga gifted Edwin Sifuna. The push comes amid bitter infighting inside the party in Kenya. Reports say the repossession drive targets the vehicle Sifuna still uses daily around Nairobi.

Party insiders reported that tensions escalated sharply after Sifuna lost his position as secretary-general on June 18. Oburu and Wanga now lead efforts to reclaim assets they view as belonging to the Orange Democratic Movement.

Yet the Odinga family pushed back hard. They insisted the Prado stands as a personal token of appreciation from Raila himself for years of dedicated service.

The dispute erupted in full force during recent party meetings in Siaya and Homa Bay. Sources close to the matter revealed heated exchanges that stretched late into the night.

Who wants the Prado SUV back, and why does it matter now?

Party Leader Oburu Oginga and ODM chair Gladys Wanga demand its return because they classify it as an official party vehicle tied to the secretary-general role. They argue Sifuna must hand over the keys immediately following his removal from that post.

This battle reflects deeper cracks that split ODM since late 2025. Raila Odinga passed away in October 2025, leaving a leadership vacuum that factions rushed to fill. Oburu stepped into an acting role while Wanga took charge as chairperson.

Their camp pushed for closer cooperation with President William Ruto’s government. Sifuna and his allies resisted that shift at every turn. They warned it betrayed the party’s original opposition roots.

Sifuna drove the same Prado during campaign rallies across Nairobi County in early 2026. He navigated dusty roads in Kibera and Mathare while addressing crowds that chanted his name.

The vehicle became a symbol for his supporters who saw him as the true guardian of Raila’s vision. “This car carries memories of service and loyalty,” one aide said quietly during a recent stop in the city.

How did the gift become such a flashpoint in ODM?

The Prado originated as a direct personal gift from Raila Odinga to Sifuna during his active tenure as secretary-general. Family members confirmed no party funds purchased it. Raila handed over the keys himself in a private moment that highlighted gratitude for tireless work on party matters from 2022 onwards.

Yet Oburu’s group viewed things differently. They pointed to the vehicle’s registration details and maintenance records logged under ODM. Reports indicated they instructed officials to prepare paperwork for repossession as early as March 2026. Delays followed legal challenges from Sifuna’s side. By June the push gained fresh momentum after the National Executive Committee voted to oust him.

The Prado model, a sturdy Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, often appears in stories of power and status among leaders. This one bears plate markings familiar to many in Nairobi.

Sifuna refused to back down. He continued to use the SUV for personal and political movements even after the June 18 decision.

The Odinga family issued a firm statement. They stressed the gift reflected Raila’s private decision made in appreciation of Sifuna’s loyalty through multiple election cycles. “It was never party property,” a family associate explained. This stance frustrated Oburu and Wanga, who sought clear control over all assets linked to top positions.

Broader context reveals months of accusations. Sifuna skipped several key meetings and took public positions that clashed with the new direction under Oburu. Complaints filed in February 2026 led to an initial ouster attempt.

A party tribunal nullified that move over procedural issues. Fresh proceedings in June finally stuck. On June 22 party officials announced the removal publicly and called for unity.

Gladys Wanga spoke firmly in Homa Bay. She defended the leadership changes and urged members to focus on the future. Oburu addressed crowds in Siaya and called for discipline within the ranks. Their allies accused Sifuna of undermining collective decisions and maintaining independent links that complicated party strategy.

Sifuna hit back during rallies. He reminded followers of past battles fought alongside Raila. His faction organised parallel events that drew noticeable attendance in urban centres. They questioned the legality of the ouster and hinted at court action to protect their interests.

The Prado sits at the centre of this storm. Its sleek black exterior and powerful engine made it ideal for long drives between Nairobi and western Kenya. Sifuna logged thousands of kilometres in it while coordinating party activities. Now questions swirl about its future. Will authorities intervene to settle ownership? Or does it remain a personal item shielded by family declaration?