Leaders clash over Ida Odinga choice for Raila succession

Leaders within Azimio and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have raised concerns after Ida Odinga suggested that nominated MP John Mbadi qualifies to take over Raila’s role in Kenyan politics.

Speaking during an event in Homa Bay County, Raila’s wife suggested that ODM has many leaders who can take over her husband’s role in opposition politics if he gets the African Union chairperson job.

According to Ida, nominated ODM MP John Mbadi has what it takes to become party leader and lead other opposition leaders in making the government accountable.

“For all those years Raila has taught you, do you need any other learning? You have the ability and that is what Raila wants,” Ida told Mbadi.

A file photo of Chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki (center) when he met then Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga (right) and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka (left) at their Capitol hill offices on July 19, 2017. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE

Her remarks sparked uproar in ODM, since Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga had earlier suggested that National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi was best suited to take over from Raila.

“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, who is also Raila Odinga’s elder brother.

Other leaders who are in the race to succeed Raila include Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga, former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Migori governor Ochilo Ayako.

The Raila succession debate has taken shape in the Nyanza region as leaders seek to identify someone who will serve as the Luo kingpin, in case Raila succeeds in the race to become AU chairperson.

The ODM party leader is seeking to take over from the current AU chairperson Moussa Faki whose term expires early 2025.

Meanwhile ODM deputy party leaders, who are also former governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) and Hassan Joho (Mombasa) are battling to succeed Raila in the role of party leader.

On the other hand, other Azimio leaders Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and Kalonzo Musyoka are seeking to take over from Raila as they seek to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 presidential elections.

The Raila succession debate continues to gain momentum at a time when the ODM party leader has indicated that he was taking a break to focus on his bid for the AU job.

For instance 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.

“I have no doubt that my friend who is standing next to me (Hon. Odinga) is the right person to take over the mantle. If the EAC region backs him, I believe the rest of the continent will support him,” said Obasanjo.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna (L) and Ida Odinga, the spouse to party boss Raila Odinga. [Photo/Courtesy].

In addition, several politicians in the country have been putting pressure on Raila Odinga, insisting that he should appoint his successor, who will follow his footsteps.

Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot is among leaders pushing opposition leader Raila Odinga to appoint his successor.

“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.