Raila's spirit: Pro-Ruto, Linda Mwananchi leaders contend for Baba's magic

It was an event that many had hoped would be the turning point to unite all the political orphans of the late Raila Odinga and breathe new life into a region, a support base and a party in discord.

But if Raila had hoped in his grave that his first anniversary would be the uniting factor, he is probably turning in his grave in disappointment as fissures of division among his former troops deepened in a politically charged anniversary at the historic Migwena grounds in Bondo.

The event was a symbolic divorce among Raila’s former lieutenants and could have just set the stage for fresh political realignments as his family appeared to seek more control of ODM and leaders with opposing views over the country’s political direction clashed.

However, his wife, Ida Odinga, emerged as a potential titan ready to protect Raila’s legacy as a uniting figure, in an event where leaders aligned to the Linda Mwanainchi faction received a major boost in the quest to win over Raila’s support base, as the program plunged them at the centre of a power play that effectively locked out other members of the ODM party.

The event evolved into a full-blown popularity contest between proponents of President William Ruto, Raila’s family’s own political beliefs, and opponents of Ruto’s reelection bid.

The hope to rescue ODM from a potential collapse also faded away as senior party officials boycotted the event and some members of Raila’s family sent signals of walking away from the party.

The tone, the messaging and a clash of egos rocked the event as leaders aligned to pro-Ruto and anti-Ruto traded political barbs and rallied crowds to chant One-term and two-term slogans, turning what many had hoped would be a solemn ceremony into a competition for dominance.

Supporters of Linda Mwanainchi faction chanted anti-Ruto slogans, with the leaders receiving wild cheers from mourners who had turned up to mark the anniversary of the late ODM leader.

As this happened, President William Ruto’s allies, led by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, quickly became campaign mouthpieces for Ruto, attacking his opponents and declaring that the president will win elections by a landslide.

“We are steadfast in ensuring that President Ruto wins a second term. This place belongs to President Ruto,” said Wandayi.

Oburu, too, in a statement read by Arati, also fronted his push for a continuation of the working relationship with the UDA administration, claiming that they were strategically positioning themselves to capture political power. “We are saying we want power so that we can have equity,” said Oburu. However, as Arati read the speech, sections of the crowd chanted anti-Ruto slogans, as questions also arose about the whereabouts of Oburu.

Some youths were heard demanding to know the whereabouts of ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, chanting, “No Oburu” and “One term” as the gathering continued.

Their chants came amid questions over the party leadership and the absence of Dr Oburu from the anniversary celebrations.

Earlier on, addressing the gathering, Mama Ida sought to reassure the crowd about her brother-in-law’s health, saying he was unwell but not seriously ill.

“Dr Oburu is not feeling well, but he is not very sick. He is alive. The doctors who are looking after him have advised him to take it easy and not attend a rowdy place like this,” she said.

Her remarks came as some youths continued to demand answers about his whereabouts.

Wandayi claimed that those who were hoping for the president’s defeat would be in for a rude shock as he urged the crowds to respond to his pro-Ruto chants.

Similarly, Governor Arati also appealed to members of the party not to abandon Raila’s train and instead focus on building ODM. “Baba left us in ODM. If you want to leave ODM, we are telling you not to go. Stay with us so that we can build the party. But if you want to leave, just go and disappear with the sponsor who has bought you,” said ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati.

That plea, however, remains a long shot after Raila’s younger sister and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga hinted at quitting the party, claiming that she is keen on protecting Raila’s legacy at all costs.

Ruth, in her speech, said that her late brother and her late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, had dedicated their lives to justice, democracy and welfare of Kenyans.

“Raila is still on, and Raila will live on. We Kenyans must defend that. If it means me, Ruth, forfeiting everything to stand with ODM, I will. If not, I will move to another party because I want justice to remain in Kenya,” said Ruth.

But she is also not alone; Winnie’s entry into the Nairobi Senate race also added another layer of complexity in the post-Raila political gameplay. Langata MP Felix Odiwuor has declared his intentions for the seat and has received Ruto’s backing.

During the event, Linda Mwanainchi leaders also drummed up support for the public to hand Ruto a one-term presidency. The leaders received a heroic welcome from Raila’s supporters.

Sifuna, in his trademark Mimi Ndio Sifuna slogan, sent the crowd into a jubilant mood before he recounted the immense influence he claimed Raila had on his political career.

He criticised President Ruto’s allies, whom he had claimed were threatening supporters, in apparent reference to Wandayi’s speech.

“Baba told us that politics is not forceful. We have seen some leaders threatening people here,” he said, adding that they are optimistic of clinching the presidency.

As he spoke, the crowd chanted his name and anti-Ruto slogans, marking a significant boost in his quest to strengthen his political profile and support among the late Raila’s supporters.

Siaya Governor James Orengo said they are the group that will win the presidency in the next General Elections.

“They are saying it will be two terms. Have you been given a job? The team you see here before you, Linda Mwananchi, is the team that will form the next government of Kenya,” he said.

Ida directed a special message to young people, warning them against allowing their passion for Raila to be used to harm others or fuel political violence.

“Do not let your passion turn into a pawn. Do not let your love of Baba turn into a pawn, because a pawn is meant to harm. Do not harm one another just because they do not live for what we believe in. Do not kill one another just because they do not live for what we believe in,” she said.

She urged young people to treat those they disagreed with in the same way Raila treated his political opponents.

Ida said elections were an important part of democracy and that Kenyans should be able to compete for leadership without treating their opponents as enemies.

“Every five years in this country, we have elections. It is fair to have elections because, if we do not have elections, how will we choose our leaders? The people you are contesting against are not your enemies,” she said.

She urged politicians and their supporters to reconcile after elections, recalling how Raila had repeatedly worked with former rivals in the interest of the country.

Ida also called on older people and those in positions of responsibility to give young people room to express themselves, listen to their concerns and correct them with love when necessary.