What Next for Raila Odinga's ODM Party legacy and Way Foward beyond his existence?

Raila Odinga,a Political Enigma Celebrated in both kenya and Globally as an icon of Hope and Democracy,Has left the ODM Party divided over "who is who."

The passing of Raila Odinga — affectionately “Baba” — marks not only the end of an era in Kenyan politics, but the start of a potentially turbulent succession chapter for the party he looms over, the ODM. With the captain gone, the question now is: who steers the ship, what happens to the structures and alliances he built, and how does the party avoid fragmenting into irrelevance or co-optation?

For over two decades, ODM was synonymous with Raila’s brand, his struggle, and his style. His demise on 15 October 2025 leaves a vacuum that several factions will rush to fill — and therein lie both opportunity and danger for the party’s future.
 

ODM’s Three Emerging Factions

1. The Founders — such as James Orengo, Oburu Oginga, and others, many of whom are winding down active politics...retiring in Active Politics.

2. The Ruto Cronies — those ODM members who accepted government or state positions under President William Ruto, such as Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, and Junet Mohammed.

3. The Unperturbed Opposition Warriors — those who remain committed to the opposition ethos, such as Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino.

ODM Figures Who Benefited Under the Ruto–Raila Pact (2024–2025)

The Babu Owino Factor Shaking ODM

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino represents the new generation of ODM politics. His charisma, youthful defiance, and social media dominance have redefined grassroots mobilization.
In March 2025, he openly hinted at a rift within ODM, alleging that some senior members were uncomfortable with his growing influence and national ambitions.
He has since emerged as a potential successor to Raila’s political throne, especially among youth and the urban electorate.

 

 Who is Babu Owino?

He is a younger generation ODM MP, known for his vocal activism and confrontational style. His emergence is symptomatic of generational shift, youthful ambition and the void left by Raila’s eventual exit.

Why he matters now

• He has publicly suggested there is a rift in ODM over his growing influence.
• He questioned treatment within the party and indicated that other leaders may be uncomfortable with his ambition. > “Some MPs within the party were uncomfortable with his political ambitions … Wengine wanaona huyu ndugu anaenda kuwa rais hapa mbele.” 

• Analysed as a potential successor in Luo-Nyanza politics: > “Once Raila exits politics…Na tunasema baada ya Raila-Baba ni Babu.” 

• *He also asked why after years of service his loyalty seemed unappreciated in ODM, especially following an offer from Kalonzo Musyoka to fold into Wiper if needed.

Key Tensions and the Future of ODM

1. Leadership Vacuum — With Raila gone, there is no universally accepted heir.

2. Government vs. Opposition Identity Crisis — ODM must decide whether to remain opposition or a government partner.

3. Generational Shift — Founders like Orengo and Oburu are retiring, paving way for younger voices like Sifuna and Babu.

4. Institutional Decline Risk — ODM’s overreliance on personality politics could weaken the party.

5. Alliance Calculations — With 2027 elections ahead, ODM must decide between running alone or merging alliances.
 

Way Forward for ODM Beyond Raila

1. Clarify leadership transition and hold internal elections.

2. Rediscover the party’s identity and ideological stance.

3. Embrace generational change through structured mentorship.

4. Institutionalize party governance beyond personalities.

5. Manage internal factions through dialogue and fairness.

6. Preserve Raila’s legacy while modernizing ODM’s mission.

7. Retain independence in alliances and avoid co-optation.
 

Conclusion-Editor's Key Point Analysis:

Raila Odinga’s death on 15 October 2025 closed a chapter but opened another for ODM. Whether the party crumbles under factionalism or rises anew under young, dynamic leadership will determine if Raila’s legacy endures.
The challenge now is unity, reinvention, and vision — because even though the King is dead, the crown must live on.


 

The death of Raila Odinga closes a chapter, but opens another for ODM. There is both risk and opportunity. On one hand, the party could fragment, be subsumed, or fade. On the other, it could reinvent itself — become more inclusive, generationally refreshed, institutionally stronger, and strategically repositioned for an evolving Kenyan political landscape.

 

The crown may pass hands many times yet, but how ODM negotiates this moment will determine if the crown endures. As the adage goes:

 

**“The King is Dead – Long Live the Crown.”** The question now is: who wears the crown, for what purpose, and will the realm hold together?

 

---

 

Compiled by:

Muhoro Pius W.
Political Analyst 
&

Business,Energy,Climate,Mining and International Trade Editor

Email: editor@k254nairobinews.com

You can Donate to Support K254 Editorial Services in Enhancing Far & Wide Global Reach! 

MPesa Paybill: 880 100 
Account Number/Name:  000 254 
Amount: $10 or any-infinity

Confirmation!
NCBA Bank:
"K254 Media Conglomerate Africa Ltd"

You can Now Pay Us via Cards,Mobile Money,Mpesa,Apple Pay, and all other Global Payment Systems anytime.
Consider using our Pay-Stack Link: https://paystack.com/pay/donate-to-support-k254-editorial-services

Share Widely
&
Join our Whatsapp Channel Today via this WhatsApp  Link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va6X8XU7IUYOibsk5Sk3M for Latest Updates in Global Opportunities, Jobs Local & Abroad, Tenders & Study Scholarships as well what we do in Elevating & Strengthening Brands across Africa & the Globe.

• Reach out to K254 Editorial Desk via:  editor@k254nairobinews.com  to get your Company Featured etc.

• For Investigative Journalism- investigations@k254nairobinews.com  including Corruption,Theft, Gender Based Violence (GBV),Sexual Violence, Rape,Cyber Crime and many more.

• For your Adverisements & Marketing Needs ,Reach out to: ads@k254nairobinews.com

 Why Raila Odinga is often referred to as a Political Enigma in Kenya.

 Raila Odinga is often referred to as a political enigma in Kenya. He is a figure whose political career has been marked by both immense popularity and controversy, as well as a series of successes and setbacks. Here are some reasons why he's seen as enigmatic:

1. **Longevity and Resilience**: Raila has been a central figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades. Despite numerous political defeats, including several presidential election losses, he has consistently managed to stay relevant. His resilience in the face of setbacks gives him a unique and complex persona.

2. **Political Shifts and Alliances**: Over the years, Raila has been known for shifting political allegiances. He has aligned with a variety of leaders and coalitions, from the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) in 2002, which led to the election of Mwai Kibaki, to his 2018 handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta. These shifts often confuse both his supporters and detractors, making his political motivations harder to pin down.

3. **Reformist Image**: Raila is often seen as a champion for democratic reforms in Kenya. His involvement in the struggle for multi-party democracy in the 1990s and his stand against electoral fraud has earned him a reputation as a reformist. However, critics argue that some of his actions, like his handling of political alliances or his stance on certain issues, can seem contradictory.

4. **Electoral Defeats and Popularity**: Even after losing several elections, Raila remains one of the most popular leaders in Kenya, particularly among the Luo community, as well as in certain parts of the country like Nyanza and parts of Nairobi. His consistent ability to rally millions of Kenyans around his political agenda despite defeats is a testament to his political skill and influence.

5. **Symbol of Resistance**: Raila has positioned himself as a symbol of resistance, especially in the eyes of those who see him as the voice of the marginalized. His campaigns often center around issues of fairness, democracy, and justice, but his approach to these ideals can sometimes appear as though it is shaped more by personal ambition than by a clear policy agenda.

6. **Complex Legacy**: Raila's legacy is still being shaped. Depending on who you ask, he could be viewed as a hero of democracy or a political opportunist. His relationship with the Kenyan elite and his sometimes unpredictable political moves make him difficult to define in simple terms.

In short, Raila Odinga is a deeply complex figure whose political career defies easy categorization. His contradictions, alliances, defeats, and popularity have earned him the status of an enigma in Kenyan politics. Would you say you lean more toward seeing him as a reformist or as someone who plays to the political winds?
 

Special Global Dedications and Condolences Notes sent Globally!
 

Narendra Modi,India's Prime Minister:

Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief.

 

Mama Africa:

A condolence note by Mama Africa's Founder,Mr. Stephan Rollfinke-Austria

Raila Odinga: "A life dedicated to one's own people"

Hotuba ya Maombolezo kwa Raila Odinga

Leo tumesimama hapa tukiunganishwa na huzuni, uchungu na shukrani kuu.
Raila Odinga ameaga dunia. Ni pigo kubwa — si kwa familia yake tu, si kwa Kenya tu — bali kwa dunia nzima inayohitaji watu wa ujasiri, waaminifu na wenye maono kama yeye.

Kwa upande wangu binafsi, ni wakati mzito sana. Nilitamani sana ningepata nafasi ya kuzungumza naye uso kwa uso angalau mara moja tu maishani. Wengine wanaweza kujiuliza: Mzungu huyu kutoka Austria anataka nini kwa Raila Odinga?
Jibu ni rahisi: Nilimheshimu na kumpenda huyu mwanasiasa mkweli na shujaa aliyepigania watu wake — si matajiri na wenye nguvu — bali wanyonge, wahitaji na wale waliopuuzwa.

Raila Odinga alikuwa mtu wa ujasiri.
Alisimama kwa ajili ya haki, hata pale ambapo ilikuwa hatari kufanya hivyo.
Alikuwa alama ya matumaini kwa taifa zima.

Mambo muhimu katika maisha yake ya kisiasa:

• Mwaka 1982 alikamatwa na kufungwa kwa miaka kadhaa kwa sababu ya kusimama kidete dhidi ya ukandamizaji na kupigania demokrasia.
• Katika miaka ya 1990, alichangia sana katika harakati za kuleta mfumo wa vyama vingi nchini Kenya.
• Mwaka 2001 alichaguliwa kuwa Mbunge na akaanza kushika nafasi muhimu serikalini kwa bidii na uaminifu.
• Mwaka 2008 akawa Waziri Mkuu wa Kenya — hatua ya kihistoria iliyokuja baada ya kipindi kigumu cha migogoro, ishara ya maridhiano ya kitaifa.
• Aligombea urais mara kadhaa, na hadi siku zake za mwisho alipigania Kenya yenye haki na demokrasia ya kweli.
• Mwaka 2018 alifanya kitendo cha ujasiri kwa kumpa mkono mpinzani wake wa muda mrefu — ishara ya amani na umoja wa kitaifa.

Raila Odinga alikuwa kiongozi wa mageuzi, mtu mwenye maono na mpiganaji wa haki.

Kenya imepoteza mwana mkubwa, mtu ambaye kwa wengi alikuwa ishara ya ujasiri, uadilifu na matumaini ya kesho njema.

Ninaposimama hapa leo, mimi siko hapa kama mgeni tu, bali kama mtu mwenye uhusiano wa moyo na Kenya. Mwaka ujao nitaoa mwanamke wa kabila la Luo, na Kenya itakuwa nchi yangu ya nyumbani — lakini sasa itakuwa nyumbani bila Raila Odinga.

Wakati huu wa huzuni, nashiriki majonzi na familia yake, marafiki zake, na wananchi wote wa Kenya.
Kenya — nchi yenye utamaduni tajiri, watu wakarimu na mandhari nzuri — imepoteza kiongozi mkubwa.

Tuchukue muda kupeleka mawazo mema mbinguni.
Tushikamane na kuisaidia familia yake kwa kadri ya uwezo wetu.
Raila Odinga, tutakukumbuka daima.

---