Political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have deepened after political analyst Herman Manyora openly criticized the idea of fronting Oburu Odinga as the party’s next leader.
Manyora, while speaking during an episode of his show Power and Politics, said the decision to consider Oburu as Raila Odinga’s successor could damage ODM’s image and reduce it from a national movement to a regional outfit.
He explained that although Oburu Odinga is a competent politician with vast experience, his appointment would send a negative signal to party supporters across the country.
Manyora argued that ODM has for years positioned itself as a national party that represents the aspirations of all Kenyans, regardless of region or tribe.
He warned that allowing family ties to influence leadership succession would undermine those efforts and could erode the trust of supporters from outside Raila Odinga’s political base.
According to him, ODM’s strength lies in its ability to unite people from different communities under a common vision of justice, democracy, and equality. By giving leadership to Raila’s elder brother, he said, the party risks being seen as a family enterprise rather than a national movement.
“Oburu Odinga is capable, but I believe the choice of Oburu as ODM party leader is a wrong choice,” Manyora said during the show.
“Picking Oburu outside of the wider party leadership is domesticating ODM. You want to villagize ODM. You want to luo-nize ODM,” he added.
His remarks have sparked conversations among political watchers and party members who feel that ODM must handle the succession debate with care to avoid internal divisions.
The question of who should succeed Raila Odinga has lingered for months, with different factions pushing their preferred candidates. Some senior party members have backed Oburu Odinga, saying his long service in politics and deep understanding of ODM’s history make him a logical choice. Others, however, believe the party needs fresh leadership that reflects its diversity and national reach.
Manyora’s warning has been echoed by several analysts who insist that ODM’s future depends on maintaining its national appeal.
They argue that the party should conduct an open and fair leadership contest that gives all interested members an equal chance, rather than promoting individuals based on family or ethnic ties.
