ODM leaders close ranks, vow to uphold Raila’s broad-based legacy

As political tremors continue to ripple through ODM following the death of Raila Amollo Odinga, his closest allies are rallying to keep the flame of his legacy alive.

In a show of unity and defiance, party stalwarts led by Oburu Oginga declared that Raila left the party with a clear blueprint, one anchored on unity, strength and participation in the broad-based government.

The leaders in Ugunja constituency, Siaya county, during a funds drive for women, said the time for confusion and speculation is over, urging supporters to focus on implementing the 10-point agenda Raila had signed with Ruto before his passing.

 “Raila told us to be strong and to stay in the broad-based government as we focus on implementing the q0-point agenda,” Oburu said.

 “Once this is done and our party is strong, we will be able to make a decision.”

Oburu dismissed critics claiming Raila left ODM directionless, saying anyone who fails to see the path he charted “must be blind”.

He urged supporters to register as party members and as voters, saying that would strengthen ODM’s bargaining power ahead of 2027.

 “We must be strong because when we are divided, we are taken for granted,” Oburu warned.

“This is the position of the party, even if it offends anyone. You cannot dig a ship you are inside, because you will sink with it.”

Energy CS and former Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said the party would continue cooperating with President William Ruto’s administration in implementing Raila’s agenda.

“We have decided to work with Ruto up to the last minute. On my behalf and my supporters, we will vote for Ruto for a second term. That is my personal decision,” Wandayi said.

He said Ruto and Raila shared a history of political struggle in 2007.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah called for calm and discipline within ODM, saying unity was Raila’s greatest gift to the movement.

“Raila left you speaking in one voice as ODM. Do not allow anyone to divide you,” he said.

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch said the party was still in a “political hangover” following Raila’s death, but expressed confidence that Oburu would lead the party back to stability.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said Raila’s final political acts showed his belief in working from within the government rather than opposing it.

“Baba alikataa siasa ya upinzani [he rejected opposition politics],” Cheruiyot said. “He ensured he left you in government. Some people claim they sacrificed for him, but the truth is Baba sacrificed for them.”

He urged leaders from Nyanza to remain firm and work together and maintain the course Raila had charted.

Belgut MP Nelson Koech warned against false narratives and attempts to mislead the Luo community about past political alliances.

“In 2007, when Raila needed him most, some people abandoned him [because they were promised the vice president’s positi],” Koech said. “But Ruto stood with him and today, as President, he has remembered your people.”

Dagoreti North MP Beatrice Elachi called for an end to what she termed “greedy politics,” saying leaders should emulate Raila’s selflessness.

“Raila left us in a broad-based government. We must stop this greed,” she said. “Our focus should be on securing opportunities for our people within the government.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo urged party members to remain strategic and focused, saying ODM remains one of the most resilient political movements in Kenya’s history.

“We are still mourning Raila, but we must also think politically,” Orengo said. “Even during courtship, both men and women must think twice. Let nobody say ODM cannot have a presidential candidate, we must build a strong party.”

 “We are lucky Raila left the party strong. If someone wants our support in 2027, he must speak to us well.”

As the mourning period gives way to political recalibration, ODM leaders appear united in one mission to preserve Raila’s legacy, strengthen the party’s structures and keep his vision for a united and broad-based Kenya alive.