ODM party leaders split over supporting broad-based government after Raila Odinga death

ODM party leaders continue to issue conflicting statements regarding the broad-based government. A group of party officials and lawmakers have said they will support the government until 2027 while others want the party to back President William Ruto’s re-lection, saying the party should strategize for the 2032 presidential elections. Speaking during the burial of the later Senator Otieno Kajwang’s wife, Rose Otieno, in Waondo Village in Mbita on Friday, November 7, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo urged the leaders to speak with one voice and to stop confusing party members. Millie said the late party leader Raila Odinga led by example but died with the formula on how ODM party members should operate in his absence. Millie said “the spirit” will direct the party and the Luo community following Raila’s sudden death. She said new party leader Oburu Odinga, Party Chairman Gladys Wanga, Luo Ker Odungi Ranga and all elected leaders should meet to discuss the community’s unity and the way forward. She added that “the spirit” will only guide the public if the leaders are united. Leadership, she noted, cannot be bought nor forced on people. Godfrey Osotsi, ODM deputy party leader, said that the party should continue to fight for Kenyans. The MP for Nyakach Aduma Owuor said the Luo community should be guided by its leaders. He added that the late Raila wanted the party to implement the 10-points that it had agreed to with President Ruto. Minister for Finance John Mbadi said that ODM’s best way forward is to back President Ruto in the 2027 elections. Mbadi, who has declared that he’d go for the presidency in 2032, said the Luo community must carefully identify their political friends.