Confusion continues to rock the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as internal divisions over the party’s future leadership and political direction deepen.
The debate around succession politics within ODM has intensified in recent weeks following the reported passing of the party’s long-time leader Raila Odinga, with factions openly clashing over whether the party should fully align itself with President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
At the centre of the standoff is a group allied to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, which has been calling for a re-evaluation of the cooperation agreement between ODM and President Ruto.
The faction argues that the party risks losing its identity by blindly supporting a second term without a clear ideological roadmap or guarantees on policy priorities. They insist ODM must remain independent and prepare its own strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
On the other hand, ODM members sympathetic to the broad-based government have demanded disciplinary action against those opposing the arrangement, accusing them of undermining party unity and stability.
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The debate took a new twist after Ruth Odinga shared a video that has since gone viral on social media.
The clip, recorded during a past ODM parliamentary group meeting in Machakos, shows Raila Odinga warning party members against spreading rumours that ODM had agreed to back William Ruto’s re-election bid.
In the video, Raila firmly stated that ODM would field its own candidate in the 2027 elections.
Ruth Odinga’s decision to resurface the video has sparked mixed reactions, with some party supporters viewing it as a reminder of ODM’s traditional stance, while others interpret it as a subtle rejection of the broad-based government arrangement.
The development has further fuelled speculation over where key figures within the Odinga family stand, deepening uncertainty and widening cracks within the party as 2027 politics begin to take shape.
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