Two months after the unfortunate, sudden and unexpected passing of the former ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga, things inside ODM have changed.
The party that once spoke under one voice has lately become a tower of Babel, with each leader — from old to young — trying to prove their worth.
Political Ringside TV host Vivian Kabiru. Photo: Political Ringside Source: YouTube
It is because of this that Political Ringside contracted the services of political scientist and ODM insider Davis Oluoch to unravel the silent storms shaping the Orange Democratic Movement after Baba.
Political Ringside’s findings show that although ODM still retains a loyal grassroots base, the top of the party is now crowded with competing ambitions.
As Oluoch put it, “Sometimes you’re in a political forum, you look at everyone, and then you ask where Baba is, and you remember he is gone,” he told Political Ringside.
Political expert Davis Oluoch speaks to Politicla Ringside. Photo: Political Ringside Source: YouTube
Yet the party has not collapsed. ODM’s Central Management Committee continues to give direction, though not without growing challenges.
“The legitimate voice of the party comes from the Central Management Committee,” Davis added.
This silent scramble has already split opinion between those who want ODM to align with President Ruto and those who believe the party must rebuild independently.
Political Ringside established that, electorally, ODM is still alive but wounded. By election results hover at roughly sixty percent success. The party retained Kasipul and Magarini but lost Narok, Kajiado, Samburu and Kariobangi North.
According to Oluoch, “even if Baba is gone physically, his spirit still lives with us and ODM is still strong,” though he warned that the party must urgently refocus on Mt Kenya, North Eastern, Tana River and Taita Taveta.
Political expert Davis Oluoch speaks to Politicla Ringside. Photo: Political Ringside Source: YouTube
Political Ringside also uncovered fresh succession rumblings from several camps, with figures such as Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi, Oparanya, Joho, Gladys Wanga, Babu Owino and Winnie Odinga emerging as centres of influence.
None, however, has secured dominance. Still, ideology remains ODM’s anchor.
“ODM is a centre-left social democratic party that believes in human rights and devolution,” Oluoch told Political Ringside.
With strong grassroots structures but fragile unity at the top, ODM faces its most defining moment in decades.
Political Ringside’s analysis concludes that whether the party survives the post-Raila turbulence depends on whether it can return to its founding purpose — and rediscover the unity that once made it a national force.