Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has cautioned leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against attempts to rapidly reshape the party’s political base following the death of Raila Odinga in October 2025.
He recalled that Odinga often referred to these exchanges as “a discussion of deep thinkers,” sometimes sharing the experience with colleagues such as Junet Mohammed.
Kuria added that many of these moments are documented in his upcoming autobiography, which he says will provide insight into the late leader’s approach to politics.
Kuria highlighted that Odinga understood the complexity of his political constituency and handled it with deliberate care.
He warned that the ODM’s support base, rooted in liberal ideals, could react unpredictably if leaders act recklessly.
“I can only pity those who are trying to alter the DNA of Baba’s constituency like it’s some sort of instant coffee,” Kuria said, predicting “crying and gnashing of teeth” for those who disregard the party’s established dynamics.
The remarks come as ODM experiences visible internal tensions, with emerging factions debating leadership succession, ideological direction, and strategic positioning in Kenya’s political landscape.
Kuria’s intervention serves as both a reminder of Odinga’s careful stewardship of ODM and a caution to current party leaders: any attempt to force rapid changes without consensus could destabilize the party and provoke backlash from its committed base.
The former CS’s forthcoming autobiography is expected to shed further light on Odinga’s political strategy and the values underpinning ODM’s identity.