- The succession battle within ODM deepened after political strategist David Makali named Siaya governor James Orengo as Raila Odinga’s natural heir
- With ODM navigating life without Raila for the first time since its formation, internal divisions have sharpened over talks with President William Ruto’s UDA
- Makali insisted that while Orengo stands out as the logical successor, the party must follow its constitutional process
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
The battle over who takes charge of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has taken yet another twist.
Source: Facebook
This is after communications specialist and political strategist David Makali named Siaya governor James Orengo as Raila Odinga’s natural heir.
Is the ODM party imploding?
Makali’s remarks come at a time when the once tightly controlled party is struggling to redefine itself following Raila’s sudden death in October 2025.
For the first time since its formation, ODM is without the towering figure who shaped its identity, messaging and national strategy.
What has followed is a tense season of reflection, rivalry and recalibration that is threatening the Orange party’s very foundation.
At the heart of the debate is not just leadership, but direction, with the party split over whether to back President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, a move that has stirred unease among sections of its support base.
While some leaders argue that political realignment is inevitable, others insist that ODM risks losing its ideological anchor.
Under Raila’s elder brother, Siaya senator Oburu Oginga, the party has initiated talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The discussions have sparked mixed reactions within ODM ranks, with critics warning that any formal cooperation with UDA could dilute the party’s credentials.
How should Orengo succeed Raila as party leader?
Oburu’s position as interim leader has also come under scrutiny as a section of members call for a national delegates convention, arguing that the party’s constitution provides a clear framework for electing a new leader.
For them, the future of ODM cannot be settled through boardroom agreements but through a transparent, member-driven process.
It is within this charged atmosphere that Makali weighed in, placing Orengo at the centre of the succession conversation.
“The natural heir to Raila Odinga as ODM party leader is @orengo_james. But the party must go through the succession process dictated by the constitution,” Makali stated.
Orengo is one of the party’s longest-serving figures and a key pillar in Raila’s inner circle over the years.
A seasoned lawyer and former senator, he’s frequently urged members of the party to remain loyal to its founding principles of social justice and democratic reform.
Since Raila’s death, Orengo has maintained a steady tone, pushing for unity anchored on the party’s core values.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
