The Political Ringside show has closely examined the growing internal challenges facing the Orange Democratic Movement as the party adjusts to life after the death of Raila Odinga.
The discussion focused directly on the uncertainty within ODM, the rising divisions over the party’s political direction, and how these issues are affecting young members as the 2027 elections draw closer.
ODM has found itself at a crossroads. Raila Odinga, widely known as Baba, has for years been the unifying figure and main voice of the party. His absence has created a gap that the party is still struggling to fill.
Different views have emerged among leaders and members about where ODM should stand politically. Some believe the party should work more closely with President William Ruto’s government, while others insist ODM must remain firmly in opposition.
These disagreements have led to open tension, with Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and his allies even warning that they could leave the party if it supports Ruto in the next election.
Leaders like Simba Arati and Gladys Wanga have dismissed claims of division, saying ODM remains strong and united.
The Political Ringside show turned its attention to the ODM Youth League to understand how young members are coping.
The show featured Davis Bin Oluoch, a long-serving Youth League member who joined the party immediately after university and has spent the last five years working with young people within ODM.
Davis has been involved in drafting youth-focused policy documents and is currently helping prepare a guide meant to support young aspirants who want to run for political office under the ODM banner.
During the conversation, Davis spoke honestly about the changes he has witnessed. He said Raila Odinga was the one leader who truly trusted the youth and ensured their voices reached the highest decision-making levels.
According to him, things have changed since Raila’s passing. Davis pointed to the ODM at 20 anniversary event as a clear example, noting that no young person was given a chance to speak, not even the Youth League president.
Instead, a young man identified as Cas was only allowed to entertain the crowd with a trumpet, which Davis felt symbolized how youth are often reduced to decoration rather than being treated as serious political actors.
Davis stressed that this exclusion is dangerous for the party. He explained that out of ODM’s estimated 5 to 7 million members, about 75 percent are young people.
This mirrors the wider national picture, where most of Kenya’s population is youthful, just like much of Africa.
Ignoring such a large group, he warned, risks weakening the party’s future and missing opportunities to build strong leadership from within.
The discussion also highlighted how the Youth League is trying to remain resilient. Despite feeling sidelined, members continue working on projects like the aspirants’ manual to prepare young leaders for future contests.
However, Davis cautioned that continued neglect could deepen ODM’s internal problems, especially at a time when the party is already dealing with leadership transitions and debates about its 2027 strategy.
Statements from leaders like Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who has pointed to figures such as Oburu Odinga as key to the party’s future, show how uncertain the path ahead remains.
Recent events, including disagreements over engagement with State House and outcomes of by-elections like Kasipul, have further exposed these tensions.
Political Ringside continues sheds light on the real struggles within ODM and much more and for the full details find them on YouTube and subscribe so as to be receiving this analysis ahead of everyone.
