ODM Seeks Unity and Continuity After Raila Odinga’s Death

 

By Brian

Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is seeking to project unity and stability amid growing speculation over who will inherit the political influence long wielded by the late Raila Odinga.

Senior party figures have cautioned against premature succession battles within the Luo community, framing the moment as one that demands cohesion rather than competition.

The call for unity came as ODM delegates gathered at Odinga’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, where the late opposition leader was laid to rest. Party chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga set the tone, declaring that there was “no vacuum” in leadership.

Wanga maintained that Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, had already assumed the party’s leadership mantle and was the natural figure to guide the Luo community through the transition.

“The leadership of Luo Nyanza has no vacuum because once Dr. Oburu has taken over the mantle of the party leadership, he is the same person who will guide the community going forward,” Wanga said. “We must not allow division or opportunism to undo what Raila built over decades.”

Her remarks were echoed by Ruaraka MP T.J. Kajwang’, who issued a veiled warning to younger lawmakers positioning themselves as Raila’s political heirs. Without naming names, Kajwang’ appeared to allude to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has in recent weeks been vocal about the need for generational change.

“Our father Raila has left us in good hands,” Kajwang’ said. “We shall continue to speak in one voice, as we have always done.”

Migori MP Fatuma Mohamed also urged restraint, warning that rivalry could erode ODM’s cohesion.

“ODM remained strong because the late Raila Odinga kept us united. The moment we start unnecessary supremacy battles, we risk polarising the party,” she said.

Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu highlighted the symbolic weight of the transition, noting that “the world is watching” how the Luo community navigates the post-Raila era. She described the former prime minister as a unifying force whose political legacy must not be diluted by factionalism.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ reinforced the message of continuity, asserting that the community was not “orphaned” by Raila’s passing.

“We still have a father full of wisdom in Dr. Oburu,” he said.