Former Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana has commented on recent assertions by Paul Mwangi, the late long‑serving lawyer and communications strategist for Raila Odinga, that key ODM figures including Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino and James Orengo were part of what Mwangi described as an “exit plan” from the Broad‑Based Government (BBG) framework.
In a statement shared on social media, Kibwana framed Mwangi’s revelations as confirmation of internal political calibration within ODM, signalling a transition from the BBG toward revitalised party leadership.
“Mwangi has confirmed what many political observers have suspected — that senior leaders were positioned strategically as part of a broader realignment,” Kibwana said.
Mwangi’s analysis, according to sources close to the interview, suggested that Raila’s leadership foresaw a need to prepare new agents within ODM who could lead the party if the BBG arrangement no longer served its original mandate.
The names referenced — Sifuna, Babu Owino and Orengo — were characterised by Mwangi as enigma elements capable of carrying forward the party’s core mission beyond the BBG phase.
Kibwana acknowledged these assertions, interpreting them as a sign that Raila’s political architecture was more layered than publicly understood.
“Assigning difficult tasks to trusted lieutenants is not unusual in national politics,” he observed.
“What Mwangi has described is a form of succession planning — preparing leaders who can uphold the party’s values and agenda when strategic shifts occur.”
Speaking directly to the social media message alleging that Jakom (Sifuna) was tasked with steering the “real ODM” — Lindamwananchi — Kibwana said the phrase captured a genuine undercurrent within the party’s evolving identity.
He also weighed in on calls for Dr Oburu Oginga to retire gracefully, echoing broader discussion about generational transition in political leadership.
Kibwana’s commentary comes at a moment of heightened debate within ODM and the broader opposition space, as political actors recalibrate ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Analysts say Mwangi’s statements — and Kibwana’s response — highlight the complex choreography behind party strategy, leadership grooming and political positioning in Kenya’s dynamic political landscape.