The Orange Democratic Movement is undergoing a significant internal realignment under the leadership of Oburu Odinga, with several staff members linked to the late Raila Odinga reportedly dismissed as the party boss moves to consolidate control and explore new political directions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to reports from within the party, Oburu has initiated a purge of personnel perceived as loyal to Raila’s legacy, replacing them with his own appointees to ensure smoother implementation of his vision. This shake-up has affected key administrative and operational roles, including those in communications, finance and grassroots mobilisation. One dismissed staffer, speaking anonymously, said the changes felt abrupt and targeted. “We were called in for a meeting and told our services were no longer needed,” the former employee recounted. “It was clear this was about aligning the party machinery with Oburu’s new approach. Those of us seen as too close to Baba’s way of doing things were let go.”
The dismissals come amid broader shifts in ODM’s strategy, with Oburu signaling openness to alliances with the ruling United Democratic Alliance ahead of 2027. During a recent address to party officials, Oburu reportedly emphasized the need for pragmatic partnerships to secure the party’s future. “We cannot remain in perpetual opposition,” he is said to have told the gathering. “Raila built ODM to fight for the people, but fighting alone achieves little. Working with UDA on key issues could deliver more for our supporters than endless confrontation.”
This stance has alienated members of the "Linda Mwananchi" faction, a hardline group within ODM advocating for a staunch independent opposition role. Led by figures like Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino, the faction argues that any collaboration with UDA would betray Raila’s legacy of challenging executive overreach and economic inequality. “The party was founded on principles of justice and people-centred governance,” one faction member said. “Aligning with the government that has overseen high living costs, corruption scandals and broken promises would be a betrayal. We will fight to keep ODM as the voice of the voiceless, not a junior partner in power.”
Adding to the internal turmoil, Oburu has established a new party office on Riverside Drive in Nairobi, moving away from the traditional Capitol Hill premises that long housed Raila Odinga’s operations. The Capitol Hill office, a symbol of ODM’s history and Raila’s command centre, is now reportedly restricted or locked, with access limited to family members or select individuals. Sources close to the Odinga family suggest the move was prompted by disagreements over control and usage of the space.
Oburu defended the relocation as a practical decision to modernise and centralise party activities. “The new Riverside Drive office is more accessible, spacious and equipped for today’s needs,” he told a small group of allies. “Capitol Hill served us well, but we must evolve. This is about building a stronger ODM for the future, not clinging to the past.”
The changes have fueled speculation about Oburu’s long-term intentions. Some party insiders believe the dismissals and office move are part of a broader effort to distance ODM from Raila’s shadow and reposition it as a more flexible player open to government collaboration. Others see it as preparation for a post-Raila era where Oburu seeks to cement his legacy before handing over to younger leaders.
Raila’s family has remained largely silent on the developments, but one relative hinted at unease. “The party is Raila’s creation, and his spirit should guide its direction,” the family member said. “Dismissals and moves that erase his mark could divide rather than unite.”
As ODM navigates this transitional phase, the "Linda Mwananchi" faction has vowed to resist any shift toward UDA alliances. “We will not let ODM become a tool for the ruling elite,” Sifuna declared in a recent statement. “Our role is to hold power to account, not join it in exploiting the people. If push comes to shove, we will fight for the soul of the party from within.”
The internal power realignment has also raised questions about ODM’s electoral prospects in 2027. With Raila’s charismatic presence no longer anchoring the base, and tensions between hardliners and pragmatists growing, the party risks fragmentation at a time when unity is crucial to challenge the incumbent.
For now, Oburu’s consolidation efforts appear to be gaining ground, with the new Riverside Drive office set to become the hub for party activities. Whether this marks a successful evolution or sows seeds of division remains to be seen as ODM prepares for its next major delegates conference.
