The potential departure of Raila Odinga from Kenyan politics has ignited a debate within his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the wider Azimio coalition and his family about who should fill his shoes.
Last Friday, Raila’s wife, Ida, stirred controversy within ODM by suggesting that nominated MP John Mbadi possesses the necessary qualities to lead the party and opposition forces.
“That’s Baba’s heartbeat,” she declared, drawing cheers from the audience in Ndiwa.
She assured Raila’s supporters that despite his bid for the AU Commission chairperson post and the potential postponement of his presidential aspirations to 2027, the party remained intact and well-supported.
Ida encouraged Raila’s base by stating, “There is nothing that has been lost. He is still a Kenyan, and he is not the first Kenyan to seek a job outside the country.”
The endorsement by Ida has created tensions within the ODM party and the Odinga family. Raila’s elder brother, Senator Oburu, has endorsed Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi.
“Leaders usually emerge like mushrooms, and that is how Opiyo Wandayi has come out and there is nothing to stop him from taking over Raila’s role. He will give us direction, because that is what we want,” said Oburu.
However, Ida Odinga countered, stating, “For all those years Raila has taught you, do you need any other learning? You have the ability, and that is what Raila wants,” she told Mbadi.
Other figures within the Luo community and beyond have also expressed interest in succeeding Odinga, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayako, ODM deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho, and Azimio leaders Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Kalonzo Musyoka.
Several figures, including Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot, have publicly urged Odinga to designate his successor, both within ODM and the wider Luo Nyanza region.
“You need to be magnanimous enough to anoint a successor in both the ODM party and Luo Nyanza. Don’t waste that chance,” said Ekuru Aukot during an interview on February 19. Aukot further urged Raila to retire from active politics in Kenya if he gets the AU job.
The Raila succession debate continues to gain momentum at a time when the ODM party leader has indicated that he is taking a break to focus on his bid for the AU job.
On February 15, 2024, Raila officially declared his interest in contesting for the African Union (AU) chairperson job.
“I have been consulting widely. I think I am ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better,” said Raila during a press briefing at his Karen home in Nairobi on February 15, 2024.
His sentiments were echoed by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who was present during Raila’s press briefing in Nairobi.
