By Anderson Ojwang
Despite Nyanza getting the credit for crusading for multi-party politics in the country, the region has remained with a single-party mentality.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been the dominant party in the region, while other leading political parties have given the region a wide berth.
The residents have been conditioned to believe in the mantra “Odwa en ot achiel” (Our house is one), “Wadhi konyo Jakom lweny malo” (We are going to help Jakom fight imaginary wars) and “Ka Jakom owacho left to en left or right to en right” (If Jakom says left, it is left; if he says right, it is right), to their detriment.
The seeds of the arrival of multi-partyism were witnessed in the November-scheduled by-elections, where ODM attracted the fewest aspirants for its primaries.
For Ugunja, only three aspirants sought the ODM ticket, while other parties are presenting nine candidates for the by-election.
Similarly, in Kasipul, only five aspirants contested in the controversial ODM nomination, and the seat has attracted 10 other candidates on independent tickets and from other political parties.
The recent death of ODM leader Raila Odinga is a double-edged sword for ODM and Nyanza. Raila, who was the glue and de facto leader of both Nyanza and ODM, has left a vacuum, and the centre can no longer hold.
Before Raila’s death, camps had already emerged in ODM over the alliance with President William Ruto and support for the broad-based government.
At the burial, the split was evident, with party secretary Edwin Sifuna reading from a different script, while the pro–broad-based government faction had their own script.
“We should do things that will make Baba smile. In my view, this is not the time to push divisive narratives in ODM. You all know ODM is a party for all Kenyans.
We, as party leaders, must show unity in the party. I, Sifuna, will not be part and parcel of those who want to destroy the party.
I will keep the party united and together, even in the face of open provocation. Let us, as party officials, wait and listen to what the members are saying before we act.
Let the people tell us what they want us to do with ODM. Raila spoke before the public on 22nd September before the MPs. So I kindly ask that we respect what Raila said,” he said.
Raila had said, “As a party we must prepare for the 2027 General Elections, and whatever position you hold, do not commit the party to things that have not been deliberated by the party organs. Who has told you otherwise?”
Sifuna said they will follow and implement Raila’s final instructions delivered before his death.
But yesterday, acting party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga reaffirmed that the ODM party supports the broad-based government and will support President Ruto.
“Raila left us at a place as a community. Raila left us in the government. We have benefited in the broad-based government, and that is where we will remain.
I must thank Ruto for giving Raila a State funeral. We do not take it for granted. We are going to move together with President Ruto.
My people from the fraternity of Luo Nyanza came to endorse my appointment as the party leader. I want to thank you for honouring me,” he said.
While Oburu was hosting Nyanza ODM members at his home in Bondo, Sifuna was meeting the families of the victims who died in the course of mourning Raila.
“We invited the families of the late Vincent Otieno Ogutu, Evans Onyango Kiche, Josfae Jida Burke and Josephine Akengo to Chungwa House today. They were among those killed in the course of mourning Baba at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium. We extended our condolences and support on behalf of the entire ODM family,” he wrote on his X handle.
When he spoke, Orengo said Oburu was the suitable party leader and an honest and trustworthy person.
“The party is the foundation of any democracy. If we did not have a strong party, we would not have democracy in Kenya.
The ODM party leadership must remember its history. I give you my support and look forward to working with you.
You don’t need any political post in the party. I, Orengo, have not held any post in the party, but I still commit to the party.
When we seek alliances with other people, we must be smart and should not put all our cards on the table. We must listen to the ground. ODM should not be swallowed by another party. ODM must remain the biggest party,” he said.
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, in a move to appease members and the public, said ODM nominations will be free and fair unlike before.
Adhiambo said, “We will straighten ODM under Oburu Oginga. Oburu, my brother, is a fair and honest person. He won’t hold your hand or endorse you. So don’t go to him for that. You will have to go to the ground and ask the people for votes,” she said.
A Saboti MP had warned ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, saying, “Why are Wanga and company so active politically after Baba’s death? What happened to the period of mourning? Since Baba died, they are more into broad-based politics than the life of Raila. Even if Baba left you in broad-based politics, why are you defending it more than the owners and UDA MPs? Why are you in a hurry to quickly chase leaders like Caleb, Sifuna and Babu Owino out of ODM, whom Baba never chased away, but loved?”
President Ruto, at the burial, said he will not allow ODM to disintegrate or be taken over by some quarters.
“I know I am the leader of UDA in the Kenya Kwanza government. I want to promise you ODM members, in regard to Raila’s wish, that we will respect ODM and support you to hold the party together. The future and strength of ODM matters so much to me.
I will not allow— in honour of Raila and within my means— those who want to remove ODM from the broad-based government for their selfish gain. That will not happen,” he said.
