When the news of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's death broke, Kenya was plunged into a profound silence. Radios ceased playing, television screens dimmed, and social media platforms were flooded with expressions of disbelief and sorrow. For countless Kenyans, his passing marked not merely the loss of a prominent political figure but also the poignant end of a defining epoch in the nation's unfolding narrative.

Even before his burial, the significant void left by Raila Odinga's absence was acutely felt, both within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and across the broader landscape of Kenyan politics. At a somber funeral service held in Bondo, the deep divisions within the ODM became apparent as politicians from the party openly contested what they claimed were the former prime minister’s final wishes concerning his support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid. This dispute unfolded even as the leaders present paradoxically called for unity among their ranks.

In reflection on his political legacy, public intellectuals, including Nelson Havi, Dr. Kenneth Ombongi, and Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, observed that Odinga possessed a unique capacity to nurture a diverse array of political personalities. He cultivated both "hard-boiled political warriors," who were dedicated and formidable, and "hard-hearted bloodsuckers," who were likely self-serving and opportunistic. There was an agreement among these intellectuals that in the aftermath of his death, the political warriors would inevitably face unbridled verbal assaults from what they termed the "ODM elite bloodsuckers," signaling a potential struggle for influence and control within the party.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed succinctly captured the sentiment of many when he jested during Odinga's send-off service that the former Prime Minister’s death had created "many political orphans." On one side, there were those who deeply loved him, gathering under the scorching Bondo sun to recount cherished moments and pay heartfelt tribute to the indelible impact he had left on their lives and the trajectory of the nation. His passing truly marked a pivotal moment, leaving behind a complex legacy and a profound sense of loss among his followers and the nation at large.