The Orange Democratic Party (ODM) finds itself embroiled in escalating internal divisions, despite its professed unity, following indications from its party leader that he may vacate his seat to vie for the African Union Commission Chairperson position.
These divisions have widened, notably since Raila Odinga, the long-serving party president, on March 7, endorsed former governors Ali Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) to lead the opposition party in his absence.
"I'm here with Governors Oparanya and Joho. They will come together (to lead ODM). A party with a strong foundation cannot crumble just because one person has left. I am confident that these (two) will continue driving the party agenda even though I'll be in Addis Ababa. If they want advice, I am ready. ODM will remain intact," Raila stated.
Recent events have cast a spotlight on a simmering power struggle within the party as high-ranking members position themselves to potentially replace Odinga.
Amidst these tensions, Joho, ODM's Deputy Party Leader, has vocally asserted his claim to the party's leadership, citing his unwavering dedication.
Addressing the media on Monday, March 18, the former Mombasa Governor underscored his allegiance to Odinga, emphasising his extensive contributions to the party.
Joho, a self-proclaimed founding member of ODM, rebuffed claims of being a newcomer, stating, "No leader has endured as many political trials in support of ODM and Raila."
His assertions underscore a deep-seated belief in his suitability for leadership should Odinga step down.
Joho, who announced his intention to run for president in 2027, says he will do it on an ODM ticket.
"If I am to run for president, and I have already announced, I will only run under the ticket of ODM. I have leaders from the western region that we are engaging. We have to form a team of equals, like-minded leaders who believe in a course who understand where we want to go as a party and as a people to liberate our people. There will be a first among equals but we will engage," he added.
However, despite public declarations of interest in leading the party from Joho and Oparanya, ODM's National Assembly Minority Leader, Opiyo Wandayi, on March 12, dismissed allegations of factionalism within the party.
Wandayi maintained that Odinga's leadership remains unchallenged, even as internal tensions simmer.
The internal strife extends to grassroots levels, as exemplified by tensions in Kakamega County over leadership changes within the county assembly, earlier this month.
On Friday, March 15, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa accused ODM's Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, of unilateral actions in appointing assembly leadership, sparking discontent among party members.
Barasa's resistance underscores the underlying power struggles within ODM's regional structures.
As the succession race intensifies, various voices within ODM are staking their claims to leadership positions.
On March 11, Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, voiced his aspirations for a leadership role within the party, challenging Odinga's recent endorsements of Joho and Oparanya.
Owino's bid underscores the growing competition for influence within ODM's leadership echelons.
Despite assertions of unity from party stalwarts, ODM's internal dynamics remain fraught with competing ambitions and power struggles.
Meanwhile, some officials from the National Alliance of Rainbow Coalition (NARC) on March 19, called for their party leader Martha Karua, who was also the deputy flag bearer of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition in the 2022 elections, to take over from Odinga.
While speaking to the press during a tour in Narok County, the officials said, "Karua is the only leader who can lead this nation to justice."
As Odinga sets his sights on continental leadership, the party faces a critical juncture in navigating its future trajectory amidst mounting internal discord.
The recent divisions prompt pertinent questions: Will the party maintain its national appeal once Odinga exits? And how will Odinga reintegrate into local politics after his continental tenure?
