Raila Bows Out: 17 Years Leading ODM with Tenacity
For almost 20 years, Raila Odinga has been the unchallenged leader of Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a political powerhouse that has reshaped the nation’s political landscape.
Leading the ODM since its creation in 2005, Odinga’s role at the party’s helm showcases his resilience and strategic prowess, in navigating Kenya’s often unpredictable political environment.
Throughout his political journey, Odinga has solidified his standing as a relentless leader and symbol of perseverance, despite numerous political struggles.
His career is marked by both successes and challenges, yet Odinga has remained a key figure in Kenya’s fight for democracy, earning recognition as a skilled strategist and unwavering leader.
However, after 17 years of leadership, several party insiders believe it’s time for Odinga to step down from his role.
The ODM is reportedly preparing for Odinga’s departure as early as next month, as he shifts focus to his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Reports indicate that the ODM Central Management Committee (CMC) is soon to convene and potentially address the party’s succession plan.
The ODM party originated from the 2005 referendum’s “Orange” faction, which opposed the proposed constitution, with the party name inspired by the orange symbol of the “No” campaign.
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Recently, Odinga hinted at his transition to African continental politics, signaling his reduced involvement in local politics as he pursues the AUC chairmanship.
Odinga expressed his intentions to withdraw from Kenyan political activities, focusing his attention on the broader continental campaign.
Following his formal nomination for the AUC position by President William Ruto and other East African Community (EAC) heads, Odinga is expected to step down from ODM leadership.
Sources within Odinga’s camp suggest that his departure from party leadership will occur no later than October.
The announcement has reportedly initiated discussions around Odinga’s potential successor within the ODM.
Some members advocate for a caretaker summit to manage party affairs until the AUC elections in February, while others propose interim leadership from a distinguished party member.
In April, ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) discussed incorporating two new organs into the party constitution—a strategic move by Odinga to safeguard the party from potential threats amid his AUC ambitions.
During the NEC meeting, Odinga advocated for entrenching the Board of Trustees and Council of Elders into the party constitution to protect ODM from mismanagement and ensure its longevity.
As Odinga steps away to focus on the AUC campaign, names of potential successors are circulating, should a caretaker body not be established.
In April, the party’s NEC expanded the Board of Trustees to include five members, including Odinga’s elder brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, and other key figures.
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Potential candidates for leadership include Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, along with current Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Recently, Arati and other prominent ODM figures were appointed as deputy party leaders following the cabinet appointments of their predecessors by President William Ruto.
Governor Wanga has been named the National Chairperson, taking over from John Mbadi, who also received a cabinet position.
If the party opts for an interim leader, it’s speculated that a non-official figure could be chosen to prevent internal rivalries.
Traditionally, a deputy party leader would assume the role, but the presence of three deputies without a clear hierarchy could lead to tension, making a neutral candidate the more favorable choice.
Nyong’o’s experience as Secretary General and temporary party leader in 2014 makes him a strong contender for interim leadership.
However, Governor Wanga has suggested that discussions regarding succession are premature, stating that such talks should wait until after Odinga’s AUC campaign is complete.
Other party officials, like Senator Godfrey Osotsi, have downplayed Odinga’s potential exit, emphasizing that the AUC elections won’t take place until February, allowing time for Odinga to retain his position.
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Odinga has been a defining figure in Kenya’s opposition politics, with his career marked by four disputed presidential elections.
His spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, notes that despite setbacks, Odinga’s spirit has never wavered, remaining resilient in both victory and defeat.
Even in moments of personal hardship, including health challenges, Odinga’s determination has been unwavering, pushing forward regardless of the circumstances.
Odinga’s 2007 presidential run against then-President Mwai Kibaki marked a pivotal moment in his political career, following his fallout with Kibaki over a Memorandum of Understanding after the 2002 elections.
Despite his efforts, Odinga lost his cabinet position after leading the “No” campaign during the 2005 referendum, which ousted him and his allies from government.
In the aftermath of the referendum, ODM was officially registered as a political party under lawyer Mugambi Imanyara, while Odinga and his supporters registered ODM-Kenya.
ODM-Kenya, including figures like William Ruto, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, Najib Balala, and Joseph Nyaga, faced internal power struggles ahead of the 2007 election, leading to Musyoka’s departure.
With the 2007 election looming, Odinga and his allies negotiated with Imanyara to take control of ODM, securing Odinga’s nomination as the party’s presidential candidate.
Though Odinga lost to Kibaki in a contested election that led to post-election violence, a grand coalition government was eventually formed, with Odinga serving as Prime Minister.
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ODM held its first elections in 2008, with Odinga officially becoming the party leader, a role he has held since.
Prominent figures like Henry Kosgey and Anyang’ Nyong’o also assumed key positions within the party.
Odinga’s brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, acknowledges President Ruto’s significant role in helping Odinga become Prime Minister in 2007 by securing votes from the Rift Valley.
ODM’s former deputy leader, Hassan Joho, also notes Ruto’s contributions to the party during the 2007 elections, recalling plans for Odinga, Mudavadi, and Ruto to share power.
However, after 2007, Ruto, Mudavadi, and other ODM leaders eventually left the party, while Odinga remained.
In 2013, Odinga lost to Uhuru Kenyatta, who, alongside Ruto, won the election again in 2017. Despite a reconciliation with Kenyatta in 2018, Odinga lost to Ruto in the 2022 election.
Raila Bows Out: 17 Years Leading ODM with Tenacity
