Raila's takes back seat as ODM gears for 20th anniversary

Former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga has not had a public engagement for nearly two weeks, even as his party prepares for its 20th Anniversary.

His unusual absence has led to speculation over his whereabouts, with some people believing he could be out of the country.

However, sources intimated to the Star that Raila has resolved to take a back seat to rest while allowing his lieutenants to run the show.

“Mzee is just at home in Karen, relaxing. He has been advised to take a rest to re-energize for next week,” a source within his circles said, adding that at his age, “you don’t expect him to be running all over like before.”

Raila, considered one of the country’s enigmas, turned 80 in January this year.

The source added that Raila is taking it easy and has been meeting family members, selected friends and allies, as well as very senior government officials who have paid him a visit, including a top-ranking official who called on him last evening, where they shared a cup of tea.

Raila’s last public appearance was on September 22, 2025, when he met Siaya Governor James Orengo and his delegation, during which he was invited to the Investment Conference that will take place in Siaya town in October.

He had earlier chaired an ODM PG meeting.

The ODM leader skipped Thursday’s funeral of former Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno in Rongo, Migori County.

“He is not going,” Raila’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango told the Star on Thursday morning, without giving further details.

The former Premier, however, sent a Sh2 million contribution to Otieno's family during a fundraiser on Tuesday.

A week ago, Raila failed to show up at an ODM grassroots event for the Nyanza region, even after party supporters had mobilized to receive their party leader.

Raila reportedly canceled his travel at the last minute and asked those who were to accompany him to the event, including a senior party official, to stand down.

On that Friday, Raila shared a picture from a local vernacular media station associated with Kisii Governor Simba Arati, with a caption:

“The People’s Party ODM has celebrated 20 years of resilience in Kisii. Massive reception. Mbuya mno Kisii!”

When asked about his absence from last week’s high-profile ODM @20 rally held at Gusii Stadium, Kisii County, amid reports of him slowing down and taking a rest, Onyango said:

“He is not slowing down. They made the decision to let his team run the show.”

Raila, who is fondly referred to as ‘Baba’ by both friend and foe in the country, rarely goes “missing” from the political landscape.

The ODM pre-anniversary events or today’s burial of his erstwhile ally Dalmas Otieno could have sufficed for him to appear.

ODM is planning high-profile three-day celebrations in Mombasa starting next Friday to mark its 20th Anniversary, and has extended invites to all its founder members, including President William Ruto and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Wiper Democratic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka confirmed receiving the invite but turned it down, saying he will be holding his party's National Delegates Convention (NDC) on October 10 in Nairobi.