NAIROBI - Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has lauded the Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) new acting party leader, Dr. Oburu Odinga, for what he describes as an embrace of dissenting voices, a move that signals a potential shift in the party's internal dynamics following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga. Amisi's comments come at a critical juncture for ODM, which is grappling with a leadership transition and a profound debate over its continued cooperation with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.

In a statement on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Amisi praised the new leadership's perceived tolerance for internal debate. This follows a period of significant internal friction over the party's direction. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of ODM appointed Dr. Oburu Odinga, Siaya Senator and elder brother to the late Raila Odinga, as the acting party leader on October 16, 2025, to ensure continuity during the transition. The appointment was made to provide stability until the party's top organs convene to elect a substantive leader.

A Party at a Crossroads

Amisi has been a prominent voice among a faction of younger ODM leaders advocating for the party to detach from the government and reclaim its traditional role as a robust opposition. In July 2025, he threatened to quit the party if its cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government continued, arguing it was causing confusion among supporters and diluting ODM's ideological stance. "ODM's historical role has been to hold power accountable, not to merge interests with it," Amisi stated in July. His recent praise for Oburu suggests a hope that the new leadership will foster a more inclusive environment where such critical viewpoints are considered.

The internal divide within ODM is stark. One camp, including figures like Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Amisi, has been critical of the broad-based government arrangement. They argue it weakens the party's ability to act as a check on state power. Another faction, comprising senior leaders and those serving in government, insists on upholding what they term as Raila Odinga's final wish for the party to remain in the broad-based government until 2027 for the sake of national unity. This group includes National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and several cabinet secretaries.

The Future of Dissent in ODM

The praise from Amisi is significant as it comes just weeks after he called for a complete overhaul of the party's leadership structure. On October 29, 2025, he proposed that ODM should be led by a council of elders rather than a single individual to preserve Raila's legacy and prevent personality-driven politics. His latest comments may indicate a level of confidence in Dr. Oburu's ability to manage the party's diverse opinions.

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, sister to both Oburu and Raila, also recently commended the acting leader for his willingness to accommodate dissenting views. She dismissed claims that the party was "orphaned" and emphasized that its structures remain strong. This sentiment suggests a concerted effort by some within the party to project an image of stability and unity under the new, albeit interim, leadership.

Implications for Kenyan Politics

The ongoing debate within ODM carries significant weight for Kenya's political landscape. As the country's largest opposition party for nearly two decades, its internal cohesion is crucial for a functioning multi-party democracy. The direction it takes—whether it continues its cooperation with the government or pivots back to a more aggressive opposition stance—will profoundly impact the political climate leading up to the 2027 general elections.

The party is currently preparing for its 20th-anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, which are intended to honour Raila Odinga's legacy. However, the event will also serve as a crucial test of unity for a party navigating its most significant transition to date. Dr. Oburu Odinga's leadership will be closely watched to see if he can reconcile the competing visions for ODM's soul and steer the party through a period of unprecedented uncertainty.