Tension As 6 Nyanza Heavyweights Emerge as Top Contenders to Succeed Raila Days After ODM Leader's Demise

The late Prime Minister Raila Odinga had long dominated the Luo Nyanza region, but his death has created room for another politician to take over his mantle.

According to The Star, at least six ODM leaders are likely to fill Raila’s void and chart a new path.

The potential successors include Raila’s brother Oburu Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, CS Opiyo Wandayi, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.

Replacing Raila as ODM’s leader has emerged as the party’s toughest challenge. His three deputies, Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga senator), Simba Arati (Kisii governor), and Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa governor) were largely selected to maintain regional balance, yet observers note that none of them matches Raila’s national influence.

CS Wandayi praised the ODM National Executive Committee for appointing Dr. Oburu Odinga as the acting party leader, noting his wisdom, composure, and political experience as assets for steering ODM forward.

He called for the party to hold a National Delegates Convention (NDC) after Raila’s send-off to formally confirm Dr. Oburu’s appointment, expressing confidence that ODM under his leadership would remain strong, united, and loyal to Raila's ideals.

At the heart of the storm is Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, ODM’s vocal secretary general, who has called for unity during the mourning period but firmly ruled out supporting Ruto’s re-election bid.

Sifuna, heading a rising group of youthful legislators opposing ODM’s ties to the government, has discreetly unveiled a new political outfit named Kenya Moja. He presents it as an alternative platform beyond ODM and the focal point of a generational transformation in Kenya’s opposition politics