By Anderson Ojwang
In what could be described as his final engagement with the ODM parliamentary group, the late Raila Amolo Odinga left behind a powerful message that is now shaking the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Addressing legislators and party officials, Raila, in his characteristic tone, cautioned against premature political commitments, saying:
“Look at what we have signed, and we must remain as ODM. We signed and agreed that we will work together up to 2027. We have not passed any resolution as a party to say how we are going to the elections in 2027.
So wherever you are, don’t commit the party to things which have not been discussed. Let those things be discussed first. We are ODM. Who told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027? Who has told you? First think like ODM. Other decisions we will take when the time comes.”
The statement has since split ODM down the middle. Raila’s elder brother and current party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, has declared that ODM will not field a presidential candidate in 2027. However, another faction led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo insists that the party must present a candidate, arguing that it was Raila’s final wish.
Oburu now finds himself in a dilemma: whether to retrace his steps and implement Raila’s last directive or chart a completely new course for the party.
In a move seen as an attempt to assert authority, Dr Oburu has convened a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Wednesday. The meeting is expected to deliberate on disciplinary action against three officials accused of defying the party leader’s position on a pre-election coalition.
Those facing possible disciplinary measures include Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Geoffrey Osotsi, and Deputy Organising Secretary Ruth Odinga. The trio has openly criticised the proposed pre-election pact between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who attended the meeting with Raila, said the late ODM leader had only authorised Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi to publicly support Ruto’s two-term agenda.
“Raila told us not to say ‘two term’. Any MP who wanted to contradict that was warned. Only Alego MP Sam Atandi requested permission because of his role as Budget Committee chair,” Omondi said.
Despite this, Oburu has maintained that ODM will only negotiate from a position of strength. In a past TV interview, he said:
“If we have to go for a lower position, it must not be lower than number two — the Deputy President. That is my take.”
He added that ODM’s immediate focus is rebuilding and strengthening its grassroots base before entering negotiations.
“Nobody will respect you or negotiate with you if you are a weak party,” he said.
However, during a recent event in Kisumu attended by President Ruto and Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, Oburu appeared to soften his stance, stating that ODM was not eyeing the deputy president’s seat.
“Deputy President, do not think we want your seat. We are friends. As we negotiate, we will negotiate what our people and our party deserve,” he said, insisting that ODM remains a national party.
Oburu further said he would personally lead ODM through negotiations, promising to deliver more benefits to party supporters.
“When you follow flies, they take you to the pit latrine. When you follow bees, they take you to honey,” he remarked.
He cited Cabinet appointments and parliamentary positions secured by ODM leaders as evidence of gains already made through engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Meanwhile, Sifuna has stood firm, insisting that Raila was categorical that ODM would field a presidential candidate — a position he maintains was Raila’s final wish.
