A bitter and public divide over the political future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) erupted during the burial of its founder, Raila Odinga, on Sunday, with leaders clashing over whether the party must support the President William Ruto-led government beyond 2027 or must it field its own presidential candidate.

The solemn event in Bondo turned into a political battleground, exposing a deep-seated power struggle between a faction integrated into President William Ruto’s administration and the party’s own secretariat, which is demanding a return to independent opposition politics.

One group of senior ODM leaders led by cabinet secretaries John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Hassan Joho, Governor Gladys Wanga, Siaya Senator, and Raila’s elder brother Oburu Odinga used the platform to make a stunning declaration, insisting the party’s pact with President Ruto is permanent and transcends the next election.

“Mr. President, Baba left us in your government and we will remain in it forever,” CS Mbadi declared.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also insisted Raila left “clear instructions” for ODM to remain in the broad-based government for national stability. A position reinforced by Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who claimed Raila told him President Ruto was among his “most sincere” partners.

“Baba visited my office earlier this year and told me that, of all the political partnerships he had experienced, President Ruto was among the most sincere. He said you had shown him genuine goodwill and advised me to serve my country selflessly and support the government fully,” CS Wandayi said.

This faction is pushing for ODM to be a permanent junior partner in the Kenya Kwanza alliance, effectively abandoning any plans to contest the presidency in 2027.

“Before Baba left, he brought us into the broad-based government, where we are and will remain. That’s where he wanted us to be, and still wants us to be,” added Narok Senator Oledama Kina.

Meanwhile, rejecting this narrative was ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who presented a counter-version of Raila’s “last words.” Sifuna insisted the late leader’s final public directive was for the party to gear up for a competitive election.

“Baba Raila Amollo Odinga spoke clearly before the public on 22/09/2025, saying as a party (ODM) we must prepare for the 2027 elections. We will follow that,” Sifuna stated with defiance.

The Nairobi Senator further issued a sharp rebuke to his colleagues advocating for a perpetual coalition.

“I plead with leaders not to put words in the mouth of a person who is laid to rest,” Sifuna added.

Sifuna’s statement was supported by one of the party’s Deputy Leaders, Simba Arati, who unequivocally stated, “We will front a candidate in 2027,” setting the stage for a confrontation with both the pro-Ruto faction within his own party and President Ruto himself.

President Ruto, witnessing the internal rift, strategically intervened to support the faction that is advocating for ODM to stay in a broad-based government, issuing a stark warning against any attempt to revive ODM as an opposition force.

“The one thing I cannot accept… is those who want to uproot the ODM party and go to play the opposition card outside. That is impossible!” Ruto declared.

Leaders from both camps, however, rallied for unity in the party, stating there was no room for divisive politics in ODM.

“This is not the time for divisive politics within ODM. I will do everything in my power to keep the party alive, and I will not be part of its downfall,” Sifuna said.

The public clash reveals a party at a critical crossroads, with the battle for Raila’s true legacy, and for the soul of ODM, having only just begun.

“What you said about our party must remain. As you (Raila) told me that the day before you passed on, ODM must be united and it must be strong ….. ODM belongs to all of us. Some of you who want to take it now don’t even know how we started ODM,” said Ruth Odinga, Raila’s sister.