Why Nyong'o is a person of interest in ODM split

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and Zimbabwean leader Emmerson Mnangagwa have striking similarities.

I have always argued that their calm demeanor creates an illusion of cowardice. As a cub reporter during Narc days, I often interacted with the Kisumu governor, who was then a minister. The good old ‘prof’ is razor-sharp and relentlessly strategic. It’s no surprise that he’s thrived in academia and politics.

Mr Mnangagwa is no different. Soft-spoken and cautious, the ‘crocodile’ single-handedly outfoxed Robert Mugabe. He’s now seeking to extend his term. But how do these two leaders pull it off? It’s simple. Prof Nyong’o and the Zimbabwean president understand that real political power doesn’t shout. It waits, it observes and it listens. But when the moment calls, it stings like a bee and leaves rivals confounded. These rare traits explain why the late ODM chief Raila Odinga settled on the Kisumu governor to be party leader when the enigma went chasing the AU Commission chairmanship in February 2025. In his wisdom, the former premier never handed the mantle to big brother, Dr Oburu Oginga.

Then, once the baton was handed over, Prof Nyong’o proved that the trust was well placed. In the governor’s words back then, ‘ODM has withstood the test of time and can only get better in pursuing its ideals.’ At the time, I urged him to steer clear of strong-arm tactics that suffocated the outfit’s vivacity. In fact, I cautioned against goofs that denied ODM numbers in 2013, 2017 and 2022.

Particularly, there were botched primaries in Nyanza and arbitrary expulsions that smacked of intolerance. It’s painful to recall how nomination fraud ushered in leaders with zero grassroots support, even in Luo Nyanza. Some insiders killed careers by handing party tickets to high bidders.

There were also persistent claims of poor strategy and backroom deal-making. We’ve heard disturbing reports of sycophants and foul-mouthed operatives who chewed cash meant for polling agents. That wasn’t all. ODM was roundly accused of abhorring malpractices in presidential contests while conveniently ignoring fraud in lower electoral seats. Whatever the issues were, Prof Nyong’o, himself a former secretary general, appeared to have the mettle to confront demons at Orange House. As a top academic, he understood that democracy is unthinkable without vibrant parties to mobilise voters and help them make informed choices. I’m convinced that had Mr Odinga clinched the AU seat, the governor would have held ODM together to the end.  

But now, aware of how much Mr Odinga trusted him, why is the professor aloof as power rifts threaten party unity? Doesn’t he know that as a former acting party leader, he’s the most qualified ‘big fish’ to mediate? His loud silence has, ironically, made him a person of interest in the ongoing storm. His counsel is badly desired. He must publicly comment on ODM’s NEC actions.

Admittedly, the air above Mr Odinga’s strongholds is thick with uncertainty since Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s ouster. The Nairobi senator is leading one wing of ODM alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo and MP Babu Owino. Another wing is under the command of Senator Oburu and Governor Gladys Wanga. But for how long will the chest-thumping in Baba’s party continue?

Meanwhile, it’s worth recalling that the Kisumu governor played a pivotal role in bringing Mr Sifuna on board. In past interviews, Prof Nyong’o spoke glowingly of the youthful politician. What’s more, the governor helped convince Mr Odinga to hand Mr Sifuna the secretary general slot.

The party is falling apart. It will suffer the fate of the Whig Party in the US, a movement whose meteoric rise under Abraham Lincoln was matched only by its rapid collapse. Good thing is that whatever happens, Mr Odinga isn’t there anymore to witness the disgrace. This time, no one will call Baba names.  

As ‘Linda mwananchi’ heads to Kakamega today, Prof Nyong’o must save ODM or forever be remembered in ignominy. Importantly, ‘mimi ndiye Sifuna’ and ‘youth leader’ must climb down their high horses and talk. Let no one blame President William Ruto for the squabbling in ‘Chungwa’ party.

-The writer is a communications practitioner. X:@markoloo