After the colossus: How power play might shift in Nyanza and Western
Raila’s backyard faces a new political reality, and ODM party’s ability to adapt will ultimately shape the destiny of his political legacy amid fires of sibling rivalries within the party...
✨ Key Highlights
The sudden death of Raila Odinga, the formidable political figure of Nyanza and Western Kenya, is expected to cause a major political shift in the regions. His passing leaves the ODM (Orange Democratic Movement) party, which he transformed into a powerhouse, facing an uncertain future without its long-standing leader.
- Raila Odinga’s death draws comparisons to Julius Caesar, with concerns about who can fill his shoes.
- ODM faces potential "implosion" as an entire generation of politicians, whose careers were built on Raila’s playbook, become political orphans.
- Secretary General Edwin Sifuna urged ODM members to maintain unity amidst the loss.
- Oburu Oginga, Raila's elder brother, has been selected by the ODM National Executive Council as acting leader.
- The party had been divided regarding its dealings with the Kenya Kwanza government.
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Political Career of Raila Odinga Defined by Key Alliances and Party Leadership - October 2025
The political career of the late Raila Odinga, who unsuccessfully sought Kenya’s presidency five times, was highlighted by his long-standing alliance with Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who served as his running mate. In contrast, his political alliance with President William Ruto began to unravel after the contentious 2007 General Election. Throughout his extensive political career and Kenya's democratic struggles, his wife, Ida Odinga, provided significant, albeit often understated, influence. Odinga transformed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into a powerhouse, and his sudden death is expected to cause a major political shift in Nyanza and Western Kenya. His passing leaves the ODM party facing an uncertain future without its long-standing leader.
