Interpreting Raila Odinga's final wishes and political vision has become a key political weapon affecting the 2027 elections and ODM's succession. Major politicians, including President William Ruto, have continued mentioning him a month after his death on October 15. Two factions within ODM are clashing between maintaining opposition roots and aligning with the government.
Since Raila Odinga's death on October 15, politicians have emerged to interpret his legacy, particularly within ODM. President Ruto, in his Thursday State of the Nation address, referenced Raila while discussing a Sh5 trillion development plan. “I discussed these visions with the late Raila Odinga, who reminded me that no nation can progress without equality, electricity, and food security,” Ruto said, adding he consulted former President Uhuru Kenyatta on infrastructure investments.
An unnamed ODM official said there is no certainty Raila would have supported Ruto in 2027, with his interests focused on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 10-point agenda until 2027. In his last public speech on September 22, 2025, Raila reminded members to follow the March 2025 MoU. “We have no party decision on how we will enter the 2027 elections. Do not accept putting the party into agreements that have not been discussed,” he said. “Who told ODM it won't have a candidate in 2027? We have a plan we discussed; other decisions will come at the right time.”
Secretary General Edwin Sifuna suggested following Raila's public statements to keep ODM independent. Godfrey Osotsi emphasized Raila's consistent message: implement the 10 MoU points, and rebuild ODM for 2027. At the funeral, leaders like Gladys Wanga, Junet Mohammed, and Abdulswamad Nassir said Raila's wishes were to continue working with Ruto. “We have always followed Raila. His final instructions are to partner with you (Ruto) in the inclusive government,” Wanga said.
John Mbadi stated he knows Raila's direction and will strengthen the Luo community. Professor David Monda noted Raila's ambiguity has become ODM's major weakness, as the party was not built on ideology. Allies like Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, and Hassan Joho appear inclined to stay with Ruto. This could determine whether ODM backs Ruto or fields its own candidate in 2027.