How Raila’s death plunged ODM into political turbulence
The ODM party in Kenya is facing an existential crisis following the first anniversary of the death of its founder, Raila Odinga. Internal factions and declining popularity have left the party struggling to maintain its political dominance ahead of the 2027 general election.
Why it matters
As one of Kenya's most influential political parties, the stability of ODM is critical to the country's political landscape and the upcoming national elections.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga./FILE For two decades, Raila Odinga held his ODM party together, commanding a formidable political following and dominating the country's opposition politics even as the presidency repeatedly slipped through his fingers.
But as Raila’s family, ODM and the country mark the first anniversary of his death today, the party he built through sweat and blood faces perhaps its greatest existential crisis.
High-profile defections, bitter infighting and dwindling popularity have rocked the once formidable political force.
The Orange party is now fighting for political survival, with emerging factions tearing apart Raila's political empire ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party's political strength has apparently drastically weakened, with the latest opinion polls suggesting a significant erosion of its traditional support base.
Political pundits warn that without Raila's unifying influence, ODM could struggle to retain its parliamentary and ward seats, particularly outside its traditional Luo Nyanza stronghold.
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