ODM 'coattail leaders' brace for uncertain 2027 after Raila's death
They are the group that won seats with minimal sweat after getting endorsements from Raila. In Nyanza, critics have always mocked them as 'osiem gi luth', which loosely infer to handpicked...
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Following the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga, many elected and nominated leaders in the Nyanza and Western regions are facing an uncertain political future. These individuals, often referred to as 'osiem gi luth' or handpicked, largely secured their positions through Odinga's endorsement, and their political paths are now in question.
- The political landscape in Nyanza and Western Kenya is expected to undergo a significant shift.
- ODM leader Raila Odinga's death has removed the primary benefactor for several politicians.
- Politicians who previously won seats with minimal effort due to Odinga's backing are now re-evaluating their strategies for 2027.
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ODM Affirms Commitment to Broad-Based Government Until 2027 Following Raila Odinga's Death - October 2025
Following the death of Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as its new party leader. The party reaffirmed its commitment to the existing broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto until 2027 and plans to hold memorial services for Raila in November. According to National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, discussions between President Ruto and the late Raila Odinga about working together began approximately two years ago. This succession and commitment follow a period of uncertainty for many ODM leaders in the Nyanza and Western regions, who had secured their positions through Odinga's endorsement.
