Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has affirmed that the party will contest the 2027 General Election, stating this was a clear directive from the late party leader Raila Odinga. Speaking at Odinga's final send-off in Bondo on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Sifuna urged party leaders to honour Odinga's last wishes and avoid misrepresenting his position on ODM's future.

Sifuna's remarks come amidst swirling speculation regarding ODM's political direction following Odinga's demise on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. While some ODM leaders have expressed openness to continuing an alliance with President William Ruto's administration, Sifuna has maintained that Odinga's instruction, given just weeks before his death, was for the party to prepare for an independent contest in 2027.

Historical and Political Context

Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over five decades, passed away at the age of 80 from cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in India. His death has triggered a period of transition within ODM, a party he founded and led, which has been central to Kenya's opposition politics for nearly two decades.

In the immediate aftermath of Odinga's passing, ODM's National Executive Committee (NEC) appointed his elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, as the Acting Party Leader. This move was intended to ensure continuity and stability during the mourning period, with calls for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to elect a substantive leader after the burial.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The future political landscape of Kenya, particularly concerning alliances and party independence, remains a key point of discussion. President William Ruto, speaking at Odinga's funeral, pledged to ensure ODM remains a central part of Kenya's political future, stating the party would either form the next government or be part of it. This statement has been interpreted by some as a hint towards a potential UDA-ODM coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, Sifuna's stance aligns with Odinga's earlier public pronouncements in September 2025, where he clarified that any cooperation agreement with the ruling party was for national stability and not to compromise ODM's independence or identity in the 2027 polls.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Edwin Sifuna, who has served as ODM Secretary-General for eight years, described Odinga as a mentor and father figure who shaped his political life. He has vowed to protect ODM from internal divisions and uphold Odinga's legacy.

Other ODM leaders, including National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Senator Ledama Olekina, have indicated the party will continue its alliance with President Ruto, citing Odinga's final wishes. Conversely, figures like Sifuna and Kisii Governor Simba Arati are advocating for the party to field its own candidate.

Evidence and Data

• ODM Acting Party Leader: Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, appointed by the National Executive Committee on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
• Raila Odinga's Last Directive: Weeks before his death, Odinga instructed ODM to prepare for the 2027 General Election and field its own candidate.
• Public Opinion on Raila's 2027 Role (Pre-Demise): A TIFA poll released on September 24, 2025, indicated 23% of Kenyans believed Odinga might contest the presidency himself, while 17% expected him to back another candidate. 32% preferred him to support President Ruto's re-election.
• Edwin Sifuna's Role: Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General, elected Senator on September 8, 2022.

Risks and Implications

The differing interpretations of Odinga's final wishes and the party's future direction pose a risk of internal divisions within ODM. The party faces the challenge of maintaining unity and relevance in the post-Raila era, especially as it navigates potential alliances and succession debates.

Unknowns and Controversies

While Sifuna insists on Odinga's directive for ODM to contest independently, some political analysts, even before Odinga's passing, had speculated on his potential role as a 'kingmaker' in 2027, rather than a direct contestant, due to factors like age and his alignment with the broad-based government. There is also ongoing debate about who will ultimately inherit Odinga's significant vote bloc.

Timeline and Next Steps

The ODM National Executive Committee swiftly appointed an acting party leader. The next critical step for the party will be to convene a National Delegates Convention to formally elect a substantive leader, a process that will likely shape its strategy for the 2027 elections.

What to Watch

The political landscape will be closely watching how ODM manages its leadership transition and whether it maintains internal cohesion. The party's decision on whether to field its own presidential candidate or enter into a coalition will significantly impact the dynamics of the 2027 General Election. The interplay between President Ruto's overtures to ODM and the party's internal deliberations will be a key area of focus.