ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has opened up about the lesser-known facet of his relationship with Ida Odinga, the spouse to party boss and opposition chief Raila Odinga.

In a statement on Friday afternoon on his social media platforms, Sifuna – a figurehead of the ODM Party’s inner workings – revealed that Ida held a unique power over him.

According to the Nairobi County senator who made the revelation after gracing Ida’s 73rd birthday ceremony, he dreads her calls. For the six years he has headed the party’s secretariat, Ida has only called him a couple of times, he says.

The youthful senator acknowledged the rarity of her calls. The infrequency, though, did nothing to diminish their impact. Each time her name flashed on his phone screen, fear would grip him.

“This is my sixth year as Secretary General of the great ODM Party. Ida Odinga has called me maybe five times only over that period of time. When you see her call, you start sweating because you know you have messed up somewhere,” Sifuna made a subtle admission.

Ida marks 73rd birthday and 50th marriage anniversary

Ida celebrated her 73rd birthday in a grand event at the lavish Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi.

Raila, who had been in the United Kingdom, returned to the country to join his wife as the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

The vibrant event was graced by members of the Odinga family, friends, and various leaders, with Sifuna being among the notable attendees.