Barely hours after the death of ODM boss and Broad-Based Government partner Raila Odinga, a heated debate has erupted within the Orange family over who could possibly fill his giant political shoes.
Party loyalists from across the country have expressed mixed feelings, but one vocal supporter, Hanifa, has openly dismissed claims that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino could take over leadership of the movement.
In a viral clip making rounds on Facebook, Hanifa emotionally stated that ODM is finished without Raila, saying no one, not even the youthful Babu, has the weight or political wisdom to unite the party the way Raila did. Watch the video here.
Her words echo the mood among thousands of Raila supporters across Nyanza and beyond who are yet to come to terms with the passing of the man they fondly called “Baba.” Many have described him as not just a political leader but a symbol of courage, resilience, and hope for Kenya’s democratic space.
The late Raila Odinga’s leadership shaped Kenya’s opposition politics for more than three decades. He built ODM into a powerful political brand that influenced nearly every election since 2007.
His death in India on Wednesday morning has now left a leadership vacuum that many believe will be difficult to fill, both within ODM and in the national political scene.
While some within the party have floated names like Opiyo Wandayi, Wycliffe Oparanya, and even Hassan Joho as possible successors, Hanifa insists that none can match Raila’s unmatched charisma and emotional connection with ordinary Kenyans.
As the ODM fraternity continues to mourn, it’s clear that Raila’s passing has triggered not just grief, but also a deep reflection on the party’s future, a future many fear may crumble without the man who carried it for decades.
By Creatorhub