ODM boss Raila Odinga is under intense pressure as the once-unshakable party faces mounting internal rifts. With criticism coming from his own backyard, Raila is now moving fast to control the narrative and save his political legacy ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Friday’s Standard publication, Raila is set to kick off a countrywide ODM consultation movement starting in Kakamega today. This bold move, insiders say, is meant to calm the storm brewing within the party, especially after the controversial handshake-like deal he sealed with President William Ruto.
The Kakamega rally is expected to attract grassroots leaders and influential Western Kenya politicians who have been demanding clarity on ODM’s future. Sources close to the meeting reveal that Raila will use this platform to stamp his authority and counter claims that ODM has lost direction under his watch.
This new campaign comes just days after ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna openly questioned Raila’s partnership with Ruto. Sifuna’s remarks, which went viral online, have fueled speculation that ODM is on the brink of a split, with younger leaders pushing for reforms and transparency.
Political analysts believe Raila’s consultation movement is a survival strategy to neutralize dissent and rebuild trust. “The party must reconnect with its base or risk losing its relevance ahead of 2027,” one analyst remarked, pointing to the growing influence of new political outfits like the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
Meanwhile, Ruto’s allies are keenly watching Raila’s moves, with some hinting that the ODM boss might face tough questions from his loyal supporters over the Broad-Based Government deal. Whether this campaign will heal ODM or expose deeper cracks remains to be seen.
For now, all eyes are on Kakamega as Raila attempts to rally his troops and silence the doubters.
By Nairobi