Arap Kirwa warns Oburu Odinga’s control could tear ODM apart

Former Agriculture Minister Arap Kirwa has raised alarms that Siaya senator Oburu Odinga’s takeover as acting ODM leader risks turning the party’s internal disagreements into a full-blown crisis.

Speaking during an interview on Monday, October 27, 2025, Kirwa cautioned that without a clear succession plan, the party could splinter into factions, with moderates, rebels, and undecided members clashing over its future direction.

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He stated that political parties in Kenya often rely heavily on individual leaders rather than institutional structures, leaving them vulnerable to internal power struggles when leadership changes occur.

“The strength of ODM has always revolved around strong leadership, but if control is concentrated in the hands of one individual, the party risks losing cohesion and focus,” Kirwa said.

He pointed out that parties like PNU, Jubilee, and TNA struggled to survive once their founding leaders exited the political scene, serving as cautionary examples for ODM.

Kirwa further emphasised the need for transparent leadership succession. He urged ODM to allow one of its deputy leaders to assume control in a structured manner, avoiding the perception that the party is being run as a family business.

“The party belongs to Kenyans, not just to a single family or its traditional voter base,” he said, adding that sidelining key members could weaken its parliamentary influence.

He also warned that internal divisions could reduce ODM’s relevance nationally.

“If moderates are alienated and rebels empowered, the in-between members may become uncertain, creating a vacuum that could fragment the party. This would be dangerous for its national influence and the upcoming elections,” Kirwa added.

Kirwa’s warnings come as Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga assumes the role of acting party leader, following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga

ODM internal conflict has been marred by divisions over strategic alliances, with some members opposing a broad-based arrangement with UDA and President William Ruto, while others are in alignment with such a move.

These disagreements further intensified following the death of Raila Odinga, as party leadership struggled to decide whether to field a presidential candidate in 2027 or back Ruto.