Yet events elsewhere told a different story. A faction led by Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo and Babu Owino sought to meet at Ufungamano House. Police moved in and blocked access. That action must be condemned.
ODM has always stood for democracy and has always allowed diverging views. The police have no role in internal party contests unless there is a clear threat to safety. That line was not evident yesterday.
But that moment should trouble the party. What made ODM a powerhouse under Raila Odinga was unity in public. Leaders argued behind closed doors, but they emerged with a common position. That discipline built trust and gave the party strength at the ballot and at the negotiating table.
ODM is navigating succession while also exploring possible engagement with the United Democratic Alliance.
A divided party cannot bargain well and cannot inspire confidence. The message to ODM leaders is that a successful convention is not enough.
If the party wants to remain a national force, it must close ranks. It must allow debate without fracture. It must speak with one voice again. That is how Baba’s vision endures.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Politics is something similar to the lower physiological functions, with the unpleasant difference that political functions are unavoidably carried out in public.”—Russian playwright and author Maxim Gorky was born on March 28, 1868
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