Kanchory laments betrayal in ODM after Raila’s death
By Aloys Michael, October 20, 2025Former Azimio chief agent Saitabao Ole Kanchory has broken his silence on the growing rift within ODM following the death of party leader Raila Odinga.
In an X post on Monday, October 20, 2025, Kanchory scoffed at betrayal and opportunism, likening some party members to vultures and scavengers circling Raila’s legacy.
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“I was not surprised to see the vultures and scavengers that were hovering over Raila Odinga’s body yesterday. Baba fed these scavengers on the decomposing remains of Kenya, and they don’t know any better,” Kanchory wrote.
His remarks come amid growing speculations over the future of the ODM Party and broad-based pact following the demise of the former Prime Minister.
A section of party members and officials has pledged to work with President William Ruto even beyond the 2027 General Elections.
On the other hand, the faction’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna insists that they will follow the last public statement made by Raila.
While Sifuna has stood firm, reiterating Raila’s last directive that the party will field its own presidential candidate in 2027, other party leaders have begun courting the idea of cementing Ruto’s broad-based government.
“Mimi nataka niseme kwamba Baba alikuwa anasikiza wananchi.Nataka ku encourage wanachama wa ODM. Sasa tunyamaze tusikize wananchi wanasema nini. Baba alizungumza wazi tarehe ishirini na mbili mwezi uliopita mbele ya hawa wabunge, aliongea kwa kinywa chake mwenyewe, naomba viongozi msiingize maneno kwa mdomo ya mtu ambaye amelala,” he said.
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Speaking on September 22, 2025, Raila urged party members to exercise restraint when speaking on the party’s political plans ahead of the 2027 polls.
Raila discouraged ODM members from speaking on the party’s plans in the next general elections, insisting that they should remain aligned on its political strategy.
“Don’t commit the party to some things that have not been discussed. Who told you ODM does not have a candidate in 2027?” he posed.
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“As ODM, we have a clear plan that we have agreed on, and let us implement it. Other decisions will be made when the time comes.”
On his part, Kanchory argues that the display shows that the leaders are ready to abandon the ideals Raila fought for, even as they maintained that they will remain united and continue with Raila’s legacy.
“I wonder how Baba felt as he listened to people who were not there to mourn him or give him a decent send-off, but to speak for their stomachs,” he said.
“Ruto is not an option for anyone who believes in the ideals that Raila once stood for. Baba had a plan to deal with Ruto in 2027. I’ll explain later.”
The late Raila was not just a politician but a symbol of resistance, reform, and resilience. For decades, he led from the front, enduring imprisonment, exile, and political betrayal, all in pursuit of a more democratic and just Kenya.
Now, with his passing, the battle for ODM’s soul has begun. Will it remain a bastion of opposition politics or be absorbed into the current government’s political orbit?