Kibwana explains why one leader cannot take over Raila’s mantle
By Aloys Michael, October 21, 2025Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has called on the youthful Gen Z to carry forward the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he describes as irreplaceable by one person.
In an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, amid speculation over the future of the ODM party, Kibwana said the mantle left behind is too large for a single leader to inherit.
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“You cannot replace him with one person. You can only replace him with many people, several people, in terms of political leadership,” he said.
Raila, who died aged 80 while undergoing specialised treatment in India, was a towering figure in Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms, and devolution.
He was instrumental in the 2010 Constitution and consistently championed the rights of marginalised communities.
According to Kibwana, one of Raila’s greatest contributions was empowering Kenyans to recognise their constitutional rights and demand accountability from government institutions.
“One thing that Raila taught Kenyans was that they have the right. He could get the country to do certain things which nobody else could,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when the internal rift in the ODM faction continues to glare as section of members pledges to work with President William Ruto even beyond the 2027 general polls while others like its Secretary General insists on the last announcement made by Raila that the party will field a candidate in 2027.
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However, Kibwana has warned against viewing the ODM succession as a simple leadership transition. Instead, he urged young Kenyans to step into the gap and keep the democratic flame burning.
“Even when Raila was alive, the young people had the responsibility to make the Constitution work for the country, to work for you,” he added.
Kibwana also noted that despite various setbacks in the country’s governance, Kenya remains largely free, thanks in part to the institutional reforms Raila fought for over decades.
“Kenya is free by many standards because of independent institutions. That is perhaps some leverage in clawing back on some of the gains that we have made, including violations of our laws,” the former county boss explained.
While the ODM party are yet to deliberate on who will take the reins even after appointing Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the acting party leader, Kibwana believes the solution lies not in a single political heir, but in collective, grassroots leadership driven by a new generation.
“That is one of his enduring legacies. He was a foremost defender of revolution,” he said.