BONDO, Kenya — Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has affirmed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will continue to work with President William Ruto’s administration, signaling a new political realignment in the wake of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death.
Speaking in Bondo ahead of Raila’s burial, Wandayi declared that ODM would not retreat to the opposition benches, emphasizing that the late ODM leader had already charted the party’s path within government.
“Baba has left us as a people under a government led by President William Ruto, and that is where we are going to stay until the end,” Wandayi said. “We are going to walk step by step with President Ruto now and beyond 2027.”
The declaration marks one of the strongest public affirmations yet of ODM’s intention to remain part of the Kenya Kwanza government, a move that could reshape the country’s political landscape and succession dynamics.
Oburu Oginga to Succeed Raila
Wandayi also threw his full support behind the appointment of Dr. Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, as the new ODM party leader. He praised the decision as both symbolic and strategic, describing Oburu as a steady hand capable of preserving the party’s unity and legacy.
“ODM has made a wise decision to appoint Oburu as Party Leader,” Wandayi said. “As a life member of the party, I will be proposing that we convene a meeting soon after Baba’s burial to confirm Dr. Oburu’s appointment and elect him formally. He has the experience and composure to steer the party to the next level.”
Wandayi’s remarks appeared aimed at calming internal jitters within the ODM base following Raila’s passing, assuring supporters that the Luo Nyanza region would remain firmly behind ODM.
“I want to remove any doubts that this region will remain intact within ODM and will continue taking direction from the party leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga,” he emphasized.
Public Viewing of Raila’s Body to Continue
The Energy CS further announced that the public will continue to be allowed to view Raila Odinga’s body in designated locations to give Kenyans an opportunity to pay their last respects.
Wandayi’s pronouncements underline the delicate balance ODM now faces — maintaining Raila’s formidable grassroots base while navigating its newfound alliance with President Ruto’s government.
As the nation prepares to lay Raila Odinga to rest, his political heirs appear determined to ensure his movement remains both relevant and influential — not in opposition, but within the corridors of power.
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