NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 14 – One year after Raila Odinga’s death, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faces its biggest political test yet: whether it can remain a national political force without the man who built it, united its supporters and shaped its identity for more than two decades.

📻 Breaking It Down

The party still commands significant support, but disagreements over its leadership, its relationship with President William Ruto and its plans for the 2027 General Election are raising questions about its future.

Kenya is marking Raila’s first anniversary since his death with President Ruto expected to lead the nation in the commemoration.

Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Oginga, now leads the party and has defended cooperation with President Ruto’s administration.

📌 What You Need to Know

However, other leaders have questioned whether ODM should abandon its traditional opposition role and surrender the chance to field its own presidential candidate.

The disagreements have exposed a party struggling to balance its past with the political opportunities and risks of the coming election.

The biggest question facing ODM is whether it will present its own presidential candidate or support Ruto’s re-election bid.

In July 2026, Oburu announced that ODM would not field a presidential candidate and would instead support Ruto for a second term.

“I want to make it official that ODM will not field a presidential candidate in the next year’s general election. Instead, we are going to support President Ruto to be elected again for a second term,” Oburu said during a fundraiser in Homa Bay.

He argued that the partnership would give the party a stronger position in government and help secure development projects for its traditional strongholds.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya