Raila Odinga Warns Against Populist Politics, Urges Responsible Leadership

Machakos, Kenya — 2025-09-22 17:00 EAT.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has delivered a stern warning to political leaders to avoid the temptation of populist politics—characterised by heckling, fleeting public applause, and emotional appeals—during the party’s Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting in Machakos. He urged members to embrace long-term responsibility and principled leadership over short-term popularity.

1) The Latest

• Speaking on Monday, September 22, 2025, during the ODM PG meeting in Machakos, Raila Odinga cautioned that populist politics are “transient” and can lead to leaders being celebrated one moment and abandoned the next. 

• He recalled personal experience of both admiration and rejection, emphasizing that leadership is not about echoes of cheers alone but about making enduring decisions even when unpopular. 

• Raila encouraged his colleagues to avoid being swayed by mass approval, saying, “There is time to lead and a time to acknowledge scholars. Cheering masses come, change and go but solid service to the nation brought, against all odds, stands the test of history.” 

Status: Confirmed and public. Remarks made in a live party meeting; reactions underway.

2) Context in Brief

• The ODM-UDA cooperation has stirred conversations around leadership style and political strategy, especially as 2027 draws nearer. Some party members and political observers have worried that the push for party unity or cooperation may lead to populist posturing rather than substance.

• Populist politics in Kenya have often involved rallies, emotional appeals, and slogans—sometimes at the expense of policy clarity or long-term planning. This has been especially prominent in recent election cycles.

• Raila’s warning comes amidst speculation around ODM’s future positioning, alliances, and how it intends to engage Kenya’s electorate without sacrificing institutional credibility.

3) Law, Policy & Process

• There is no law against populist rhetoric; Kenya’s Constitution protects freedom of speech, assembly, and political expression.

• However, elected leaders are bound by constitutional duties under Article 73 (Leadership and Integrity) and Article 10 (National Values and Principles), which expect honesty, accountability, and public service beyond popularity or personal gain.

• ODM’s internal party constitution likely mandates decision-making through formal organs (PG, NEC, Convention) rather than through informal public declarations.

4) Voices & Stakeholders

• Raila Odinga:

  “In times like these, it is possible for politicians to spend more time listening to echoes of their own voices and cheers of the masses … but we are leaders, and we are supposed to be leading.” 

• ODM Members / Analysts:

  Local party leaders say Raila’s message seeks to reorient the party toward disciplined, policy-driven engagement rather than populist spectacle. Analysts suggest this is also a move to solidify internal cohesion. (Derived from turn0search0)

• General Public / Civil Observers:

  Some commentators have praised the warning, saying Kenya needs fewer slogans and more action, especially on issues like unemployment, cost of living, corruption. Others caution that Raila’s rhetoric must be matched with concrete political steps.

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks, Implications & Scenarios

• Political Risk: Party members who publicly seek popularity may clash with leadership, leading to internal dissent.

• Perception & Credibility: Emphasizing substance over spectacle could improve public trust but may also alienate supporters who favor emotive politics.

• Electoral Strategy: With 2027 approaching, Raila’s warning suggests ODM may try to distinguish itself on governance and integrity rather than populist rhetoric.

• Long-Term Governance: If leaders heed this warning, there could be stronger focus on policy, legislative oversight, and institution building.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Which ODM members the message was specifically aimed at—whether it refers to internal critics or broader political rivals.

• What concrete steps ODM plans to take (if any) to align its campaign strategy around leadership over populism.

• How this message will resonate across ODM’s base, especially in areas where populist messages tend to be more effective.

• Whether this rhetorical shift will affect ODM’s alliances or how it interacts with UDA and other parties.

8) Timeline

• Early 2025: ODM enters a pact/cooperation framework with UDA.

• Speculation throughout 2025: Questions arise about contours of alliances, public endorsements for 2027.

• 2025-09-22: Raila Odinga issues warning against populist politics during ODM PG meeting in Machakos.

9) What to Watch Next

• Statements from local ODM leaders responding to or clarifying Raila’s warning.

• Internal ODM meeting agendas or resolutions that reflect this exhortation (if any).

• Opposition or political rivals’ reactions. Whether they interpret this as repudiation of populism or as political repositioning.

• Voter sentiment: whether Kenyan public reacts favorably to leadership over populism, especially among youth and urban dwellers.

Related Coverage

• [Raila says ODM hasn’t adopted any resolution on 2027 alliances]

• [Analysis: Accountability vs Populism in Kenya’s 2027 Race]

• [What ODM-UDA Pact Means for Kenya’s Political Stability]

Editor’s Note: This piece will be updated with any statements or party resolutions that follow this Machakos meeting.

Corrections: None identified as of publication.