By Billy Mijungu
Raila Odinga, the enigma that he is, remains on full display even in his absence from day-to-day party battles. He ensured that no amount of shouting matches within ODM could ever break the party.
Start with the Central Committee.
The party leader exists in it four times. This means the party leader has the constitutional latitude to co-opt three additional loyalists of his or her choosing. These co-opted members shape opinion, steer debate, and ultimately influence outcomes within the Central Committee.
This structure can be used professionally when restraint is required and forcefully when necessary. By the time the party leader rises from the seat, the decision already reflects the desired outcome.
Then there is the National Delegates Conference (NDC). ODM made it both governable and ungovernable at the same time. Beyond the formal delegates, there are over 3,000 adherents who attend simply because the party leader is present. Their loyalty shapes decisions inwardly, subtly, but decisively.
You may attempt to bribe 3,000 voting delegates, but ODM’s brilliance lies elsewhere. There exist another 2,000 non-voting delegates whose presence alone safeguards the party’s direction. They ensure delegates vote right, or risk the NDC itself collapsing. The most fascinating part? You never know who these delegates are. They appear on the day uncontrolled, yet fully authorized.
Then come the ODM Trustees, where the real decisions are made before being released to the party. That is how Mama Ida ended the squabbles recently. It is also how Edwin Sifuna became the most powerful ODM official in the party’s history after Raila Odinga.
Why? How?
Because the ideals Raila exposed and defended for decades are firmly embedded in Sifuna. The Trustees saw it. They read it clearly.
ODM has remained ODM, and Baba has remained Baba.
Ironically, destroying ODM when Baba was alive was easier than now that he has stepped back. Even from political retirement in death , Raila Odinga reigns supreme.
Happy Memorial Birthday, Baba, at 81.
You live.
