“Raila Was Poor at Succession Planning,” Prof Alfred Omenya Remarks Amid Intensifying Divisions in the ODM Party

 

Political analyst Prof. Alfred Omenya has described the ongoing leadership wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as “normal and expected,” following the death of party founder Raila Odinga.

Speaking on X, Prof. Omenya acknowledged Raila’s stature as a transformative leader but criticized his approach to succession planning. 

“Raila, though a great leader, was particularly poor at succession planning,” he said. 

He added that the late ODM leader “surrounded himself with fools, charlatans, and clowns of questionable character and leadership credentials,” a factor he believes has contributed to the current turbulence within the party.

Prof. Omenya’s remarks come amid growing speculation over attempts by external actors, particularly the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), to influence ODM’s internal dynamics. 

Despite the criticisms, Prof. Omenya expressed confidence in ODM’s ability to recover from the internal strife. 

“ODM itajisort!” he asserted, suggesting that the party will eventually reconcile differences and stabilize under new leadership arrangements.

Political commentators say the challenges facing ODM are not unusual for Kenyan parties experiencing leadership transitions, particularly when a dominant figure passes on without a clear successor. 

The coming months are expected to test the party’s cohesion, with members calling for unity while balancing competing interests from within and outside the party.

Prof. Omenya’s candid assessment shows broader concerns about leadership planning and institutional strength in Kenyan political parties, highlighting the need for robust internal structures that can withstand periods of uncertainty.