Bondo no show: Why Ruto, ODM top brass skipped Raila’s day

ODM supporters at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya county, to mark the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death /FAITH MATETE Details have emerged of the behind-the-scenes intrigues that fuelled tensions at Raila Odinga’s first anniversary celebrations in Bondo, nearly bringing the event to a premature end.

President William Ruto and several top ODM leaders gave the event a wide berth, leaving a political vacuum that opposition leaders moved to exploit as they sought to consolidate their support in the region.

Their absence exposed underlying tensions over who should carry forward Raila’s political legacy and the direction ODM should take ahead of the 2027 general election.

Sources familiar with the planning said State officials and key ODM leaders were uncomfortable with what they perceived as Raila’s family exerting excessive control over the programme.