Ten or eleven days have passed since Raila Odinga's death, and Kenya is learning the immense value of his political influence. His strongholds in Nyanza, Western, Coast, and Nairobi feel a huge void, as ODM selects Senator Oburu Oginga as interim leader. His partnership with President Ruto now wavers, with his legacy attracting various leaders.
Raila Odinga's death has left a massive void in Kenyan politics, akin to the collapse of a building's main pillar. His strongholds were unshakable: Nyanza and Western, Coast, Nairobi slums—and other areas he influenced across five presidential bids. Even in the Central Kenya highlands, families that opposed him publicly secretly admired his political acumen.
Two days after his death, ODM selected Senator Oburu Oginga, son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, as interim leader. Oburu has held a steady hand, but the test is maintaining Raila's broad network. His coalition was unique: Nyanza's loyalty, Western's boldness, Coast's long patience, and energizing Nairobi for accountability.
Months before his death, Odinga integrated ODM into a partnership with President William Ruto under the motto “reduce heat, increase results.” Now, ODM must decide whether to stay in government or return to opposition. Governor James Orengo said on Saturday: “Thanks to the Council of Governors for uniting to pay final respects to our leader here at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi. Father of Devolution, Father, surely laughing where he rests.”
Senator Oginga said on Friday: “Some challenge me that I am over 80 years old... Even Raila himself was never appointed by the Luo community as their leader; he emerged himself through actions.” In Nyanza, youth seek to inherit his mantle, and Prof. Gitile Naituli states: “Nyanza has taught Kenya to ask authorities tough questions, resist oppression, and defend justice even at great cost.”
Leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Rigathi Gachagua appear in the succession, as the political map shifts: Western between development promises and traditional opposition, Coast demanding tangible outcomes, and Nairobi relying on daily needs. Kenya may take time to find an heir like Raila.