Robert Alai and Willis Raburu in heated exchange over ODM party position
By Charles Ouma, January 28, 2026Renowned journalist Willis Raburu and Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai were on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, involved in a heated exchange over the political direction and current position of the Orange Democratic Movement party (ODM).
The exchange was sparked by Raburu putting out a lengthy statement in which he expressed concerns with ODM abandoning its ethos to champion those of the rival United Democratic Alliance (UDA) while also embracing political slogans.
“ODM needs to ask itself what is its identity? What is at its core? You cannot as a party, move around the country popularising another party ethos. What Winnie said is true: ODM needs to put its house in order first. Not just move around the country shouting Tutam and broad-based. What does the party stand for outside of UDA?” Raburu stated on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
He also urged the party to rethink its approach and move away from politics centred on individuals to an approach that leans on values.
Alai fires back at Raburu
Alai responded swiftly, questioning the journalist’s concern and membership of the party and dragging his ethnic identity into the mix.
“Are you an ODM member? Or should I assume that you are because you are Luo? The country has over 100 registered political parties. Why is ODM your main concern?” Alai posed.
Raburu remained level-headed, explaining why he is concerned while also handling what he viewed as Allai’s apparent reluctance to embrace advice.
“Iwacho ni kata advise moro onge (Is it your position that any advice is not needed)? It concerns me because at a time when political formations are increasingly reduced to vehicles of convenience, personality cults, or transactional alliances, ODM’s continued commitment to the democratic process, even if however messy, offers a necessary example. It reminds us that institutions and movements anchored in values outlast moments of crisis,” Raburu stated.
Alai’s reluctance to accept Raburu’s take on ODM’s position
Even after going through the reasons behind his concern with the current direction of the party, Alai still remained stuck in Raburu’s membership status.
He used an analogy of a faith to downplay the issues raised by Raburu and imply that he is not suitable to offer advice to an entity that he does not belong to.
“Bwana in member koso? You can’t advise Legio Maria, and you don’t even join them in prayers,” Alai responded.