Fresh cracks have emerged within the party, with at least seven influential Members of Parliament reportedly planning to leave ODM as uncertainty grows in the post-Raila Odinga era.
A recent Daily Nation headline, “ODM without Raila: MPs plot defections,” captures the reality facing the party today.
From grassroots supporters to senior leaders, ODM is grappling with how to survive and remain relevant without the man who held it together for decades.
For many years, Raila Odinga was the glue that bound ODM. His authority, experience, and history in Kenya’s struggle for democracy earned him unmatched loyalty across regions and generations.
ODM was not just a political party; to many supporters, it was Raila himself. His presence settled disputes, shaped strategy, and unified competing interests within the party.
Following his death, ODM has entered unfamiliar territory. The party now faces serious questions about leadership succession, direction, and identity.
Without Raila’s unifying voice, internal divisions that were once managed quietly have become more visible and harder to control.
Some MPs are said to be deeply concerned about their political survival in an ODM without its founding figure.
With no clear successor commanding similar national influence, several lawmakers fear the party may lose its bargaining power and voter appeal ahead of the next election.
Another major source of tension is ODM’s decision to work with President William Ruto in a broad-based government.
While some leaders defend the move as necessary for national stability, a section of MPs strongly oppose it.
They argue that Raila’s absence has made it difficult to justify cooperation with a government ODM supporters previously opposed.
For these MPs, the arrangement has weakened the party’s opposition identity and confused its voter base.
Internal party grievances have also added to the unrest. Complaints about unfair nomination processes, limited grassroots involvement, and perceived favoritism have resurfaced.
Some elected leaders feel sidelined in key decision-making, a situation they say has worsened without Raila’s balancing influence.
As a result, several MPs are reportedly considering alternative political paths. Some are exploring regional alliances, while others are looking at new political vehicles that could offer them stronger negotiating power as ODM’s national influence faces uncertainty.
For MPs facing tough re-election battles, loyalty to the party is increasingly giving way to political pragmatism.
Many are calculating their chances in 2027 and weighing whether remaining in ODM offers the best path to survival.
Despite the growing anxiety, ODM loyalists insist the party is far from collapse. They argue that ODM’s ideology, history, and nationwide structures remain intact.
According to them, Raila Odinga’s legacy can still guide the party forward if leaders agree on a clear succession plan and strengthen internal democracy.
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