The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) recently marked its 20th anniversary with celebrations in Mombasa, an event overshadowed by shifting power dynamics and pronounced internal differences within the party. The festivities, attended by various dignitaries including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, and President William Ruto—all founding members of ODM—highlighted a significant void left by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. His passing has exacerbated existing rifts, particularly regarding the party's future political trajectory leading up to the 2027 general elections.

At the heart of the internal clashes is a highly contested decision: whether the ODM should endorse President William Ruto's second term or independently field its own presidential candidate. These divisions were evident at separate meetings held for the party's youth, women, and persons living with disability, as rival factions vied for the support of party loyalists.

One prominent faction, led by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, strongly advocates for the party to continue its participation in the 'broad-based government,' a position he asserts Raila Odinga left the party in. Joho emphatically stated that ODM should not revert to street demonstrations, declaring, “Sisi haturudi kwa maandamano…Raila alituwacha kwa broad-based government…haturudi kutupa mawe.” This perspective suggests a desire for political stability and collaboration with the current administration.

Conversely, a rival faction spearheaded by Governor James Orengo vehemently rejected the notion of backing President Ruto. Orengo hinted at the necessity for ODM to field its own presidential candidate in 2027, stressing that the party's survival and relevance are not contingent upon supporting Ruto, whom he believes needs ODM more than the reverse. He challenged any internal timidity, stating, “There is no way ODM can bembeleza Ruto. ODM is the party with the troops. I am not a coward to mention that we will not sell our party…why do we have cowards in this party? Who said ODM will not front a presidential candidate? Wale wanasema ODM will not have a presidential candidate, hiyo ni upumbavu sana. Let our party not go to the dogs…kama mna uoga, msiuze uoga kwetu…I’m prepared to go back to the streets.” This stance emphasizes ODM's traditional role of standing with the people, even if it entails returning to protests.

Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna echoed Governor Orengo’s sentiments, noting the conflicting private accounts of Raila Odinga's last wishes. Sifuna argued that it would be more appropriate to adhere to what the departed leader publicly stated in the presence of all—implying a directive to field a candidate. He remarked, “Sasa kila mtu anasema aliongea na Raila kisiri, sasa si tufuate ile Baba alisema mbele yetu wote?”

Further weighing in on the party's future political direction, Winnie Odinga, Raila Odinga’s daughter, asserted that such critical decisions must emanate from the people themselves, not from closed-door boardroom discussions or