The conversation about Raila Odinga’s passing has brought many questions about the direction of ODM, and this has been clearly shown in a recent discussion on the Political Ringside YouTube channel.
The death of Raila on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, left many people wondering what will become of the party he shaped for decades.
Raila was more than just a politician to his supporters. He was a strong voice in Kenya’s political journey, leading ODM and pushing for change at every turn. Now, without him, ODM is facing one of its biggest tests, and many Kenyans are waiting to see how the party will adjust.
In the Political Ringside video, host Vivian Kabiru speaks with Davis Bin Oluoch, a young strategist who has been active in ODM’s youth wing.
Davis has built a name for himself through his work with young people, writing, and public speaking. He has spent years studying ODM politics and advising on strategies, and this helps him explain the difficult situation the party is facing.
In the discussion, Davis gives a calm and honest view of the challenges that have come up after Raila’s death.
One of his main points is that ODM did not prepare well for this moment.
Raila did not name a clear successor, and this has created uncertainty. Many party members seem unsure about who should take the lead, and this has opened the door to possible internal fights.
Davis also mentions comments made earlier by analysts like Erick Okeyo, who have said that ODM has been slow in shaping new leadership. These concerns have now grown stronger. Some party members want to keep ODM’s strong opposition role, while others believe working closely with the government is the new path.
Raila’s cooperation deal with President William Ruto’s UDA in July 2024 continues to divide opinion.
Some members saw the cooperation as a way to make the government more stable, while others felt it reduced ODM’s voice as a watchdog.
With Raila gone, these disagreements have become more obvious, and meetings held by party leaders, including one chaired by Raila’s brother Oburu Oginga, have tried to reduce the tension.
Another big worry is the reaction of ODM supporters across the country. Raila had a very strong base in Luo Nyanza, and many people there do not know what ODM will look like without him. Davis believes that young people will play a big role in shaping the next phase of the party.
He talks about how social media, new communication styles, and youthful ideas can help ODM stay relevant. But he also points out the challenges that youth face, such as lack of funding and limited support when trying to rise to leadership positions. This makes it harder for young leaders to be taken seriously, even when they have good ideas.
Former Prime Minister the late Rt Raila Odinga. Photo Courtesy/The Independent.
The wider impact on Kenyan politics is also part of the discussion. Without a clear ODM leader, the political space becomes uncertain. Some believe President Ruto might have an easier time in the 2027 election, while others think new alliances might form as ODM tries to reorganize.
An ODM MP described the party’s future as “blank,” showing how unclear things are at the moment. Many supporters are worried that ODM could weaken or even break apart if it does not find a new direction soon.
Still, the talk on Political Ringside gives a bit of hope. Davis says ODM can rebuild if members stay united and work on identifying new leaders who can carry forward Raila’s values. He mentions his own experience in research and organizing youth activities as an example of how small efforts can bring growth.
The discussion ends by reminding viewers that while the crisis is real, it also offers a chance for ODM to renew itself and find new strength.
Raila Odinga’s legacy remains at the center of all these conversations. His leadership shaped ODM, and his absence has left many questions.
But the future of the party will depend on how well it adapts, how it manages internal differences, and how it prepares new leaders to take responsibility.
Kenya’s political landscape will continue to shift, and the way ODM responds will influence the direction of national politics in the coming years.
