NAIROBI, Kenya — One year after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, political realignments within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are reshaping the party as Kenya moves towards the 2027 General Election.
Odinga died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80, bringing to an end a political career that spanned several decades and included five presidential bids.
His death has been followed by disputes within ODM over the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, the emergence of new political formations and renewed competition for support in areas where ODM has traditionally had influence.
Sifuna Breaks From ODM
One of the most significant developments has been the political split involving Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Sifuna was removed as ODM secretary-general after the party accused him of gross misconduct and engaging in unsanctioned political activities.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal on September 10 upheld the disciplinary process that led to his removal, finding that ODM’s National Executive Committee had the authority to establish a special panel and that Sifuna had been given an opportunity to defend himself.
The dispute has coincided with the growth of the Linda Mwananchi political movement associated with Sifuna and other ODM figures.
On September 30, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal set aside the Registrar of Political Parties’ decision declining to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement and ordered the Registrar to reserve the name within seven days.
The ruling followed a dispute over the use of the Linda name, with another political organisation, the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA), also pursuing registration.
The developments have opened a new political platform for leaders who have disagreed with ODM’s direction under its current leadership.
Oburu Defends Ruto-ODM Cooperation
Within ODM, the question of cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration has remained a major point of difference.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has defended the party’s participation in the broad-based government arrangement with Ruto, while political figures aligned with Linda Mwananchi have opposed the direction.
The differences have effectively produced competing positions within the wider ODM political constituency, with one side supporting engagement with the government and another advocating a separate political path.
ODM Support Base Faces New Competition
The party is also operating in a political environment in which new formations are seeking support in areas that have traditionally been associated with ODM.
A Politrack survey conducted between September 15 and 25, 2026, put ODM’s national party support at 10.6 per cent, compared with 11.7 per cent for the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). The survey reported a margin of error of three percentage points, meaning the difference between the two parties falls within the stated margin.
The figures represent respondents’ reported party preferences during the survey period and are not election results.
Earlier TIFA polling also examined divisions within ODM’s support base. A June 2026 survey reported that 74 per cent of respondents identifying with ODM supported the Linda Mwananchi faction, while 20 per cent backed the Linda Ground faction associated with Oburu Oginga.
The competing political platforms have added another layer to ODM’s efforts to maintain cohesion ahead of the 2027 election.
Raila’s First Anniversary
As the political differences continue, ODM is preparing a month-long programme to commemorate one year since Odinga’s death.
The party has designated October as “Mwezi wa Baba” and will hold a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony on Friday, October 2, at 6pm.
In Nairobi, the main gathering will be held at Uhuru Park, with activities beginning at 3pm. Other events are planned in counties including Mombasa and Kisumu.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, has separately announced that the Uhuru Park event will run from 3pm until midnight.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga has urged Kenyans in the country and abroad to participate in the candle-lighting exercise, describing it as an opportunity to remember Odinga and reflect on his contribution to the country.
The October programme will precede the first anniversary of Odinga’s death on October 15.
