Sifuna Best Suited to Lead ODM in Post-Raila Era, Political Analyst Manyora Declares

Political analyst Herman Manyora has thrown his weight behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the most suitable candidate to lead the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of party founder Raila Odinga, sparking fresh debate about the party’s future direction.

Speaking during an interview on his YouTube channel on Saturday, October 25, 2025, Manyora argued that the time had come for generational change within the party, insisting that Sifuna represents the future of ODM.

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“The future leader of ODM is Sifuna, and that is what everybody is saying. Now, ODM can only survive if there is generational change,” Manyora stated emphatically during the interview.

Background: ODM at a Crossroads

Raila Odinga, the veteran opposition leader and ODM founder, passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, after suffering cardiac arrest during a morning walk at a medical facility in Kerala, India. He was laid to rest on October 19 at his family’s homestead in Bondo, western Kenya.

His death has left ODM grappling with unprecedented uncertainty, with rival factions emerging over both the party’s interim leadership and its strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Manyora Questions Interim Leadership Choice

The political commentator raised concerns about the suitability of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother, to serve as interim party leader. Instead, Manyora suggested that Siaya Governor James Orengo would have been better positioned to steady the ship during this critical transition period.

“They should give Orengo that position to stabilise things, then do elections and give the leadership to Sifuna. The future of ODM is in young leaders,” Manyora said, adding that replacing Sifuna would mark “the start of the end of the Orange party and Raila’s legacy.”

According to Manyora, handing over party leadership to Sifuna would align with Raila’s long-standing belief in empowering young leaders.

Deep Divisions Emerge at Raila’s Burial

The fault lines within ODM became starkly visible during Raila’s burial ceremony, where party heavyweights clashed over the interpretation of the late leader’s final wishes regarding the 2027 elections.

One faction, led by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Deputy Party Leaders Godfrey Osotsi and Simba Arati, insists that ODM must field a presidential candidate in 2027.

“Baba spoke openly before MPs at Argyle, Nairobi, on the 22nd of last month. I ask leaders not to put words in the mouth of the dead. He said himself that as a party, we must prepare for the 2027 polls,” Sifuna declared during the burial service.

However, a rival camp comprising ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi maintains that Raila wanted the party to support the government and, by extension, President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

“Raila showed us the direction. He wanted the community to be in government. We will be in a broad-based government,” Mbadi stated at the funeral.

Succession Battle Looms

Beyond Sifuna and Oburu, several other names have been floated for the powerful position of party leader. These include Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang Nyong’o, Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

The generational divide within the party is further complicating matters, with younger leaders like Sifuna and Babu Owino at odds with veteran members including James Orengo, Anyang Nyong’o, and Oburu Oginga.

The Road Ahead

As ODM navigates this turbulent transition period, the party faces a dual challenge: resolving the leadership question while charting a clear political strategy for 2027. A crucial Central Management Committee meeting has been scheduled to address these pressing issues.

The outcome of these deliberations will not only determine ODM’s future but could also significantly reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.

For now, all eyes remain on whether the party will embrace Manyora’s call for generational change or opt for a more experienced hand to guide it through uncertain times.

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