Kenya’s largest opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), is teetering on the edge of collapse just months after the death of iconic leader Raila Odinga, with a group of lawmakers issuing a stark warning: stop the “self-cannibalization” now, or risk total implosion and a violent 2027 General Election.
In a hard-hitting joint statement released today, seven ODM Members of Parliament sounded the alarm over escalating internal divisions and national political intolerance, blaming the chaos on the leadership vacuum left by Raila’s passing in October 2025.
“We continue to mourn the passing of our party leader Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga,” the MPs declared. “His death impacted us gravely, but we still soldier on holding on to the principles that he taught us… including inclusion, tolerance, democracy and unity.”
The lawmakers — led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo and including vocal figures like Suba North’s Millie Odhiambo, Nyatike’s Tom Odege, and others — painted a grim picture of a party devouring itself while smaller rivals circle.
“ODM is the largest party in the country,” they stressed. “We are further concerned by the spectacle of self-cannibalization that has been exhibited of late.”
The statement pulls no punches, calling out top officials including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed for public spats — including recent explosive exchanges over alleged 2022 campaign fund mismanagement — and urging them to “desist from public verbal slurs” and hash out differences behind closed doors.
The MPs didn’t stop at internal drama. They highlighted a surge in political violence, citing the recent heckling and alleged assault on Lamu Woman Rep Muthoni Marubu during a Murang’a funeral, confrontations involving Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and the deadly clashes in the November 2025 Kasipul by-election that claimed two lives.
“These incidents follow hot on the heels of the violence that was witnessed in the recent by-elections, especially in Kasipul Constituency, where, unfortunately, two people were killed,” the statement reads.
Unless checked immediately, the lawmakers warn, Kenya could slide into “untold violence” that undermines the 2027 polls.
“Unless urgent action is taken to stem these emerging and unfortunate incidents, 2027 will be rocked by untold violence that is likely to undermine free and fair elections.”
Turning the spotlight on party leadership, the group called on ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga to urgently convene key organs and restore unity before smaller parties “aggressively and strategically” snatch ODM’s stronghold territories.
The signatories — Otiende Amolo, Millie Odhiambo, Tom Odege, nominated MP Catherine Muma, Turkana South’s John Ariko, Ndhiwa’s Martin Owino, and Nyakach’s Aduma Owuor — represent a growing chorus of concern within the post-Raila ODM.
As Kenya barrels toward 2027, one question looms large: Can ODM heal its wounds and reclaim its revolutionary spirit, or will infighting and intolerance deliver the final blow to Raila’s legacy?
