The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has called on Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to step up and take leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the passing of the party’s longtime leader, Raila Odinga.
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Speaking on Citizen TV on Monday, Havi said that while mourning Raila is important, Sifuna should not delay in providing direction for the party, warning that hesitation could lead to ODM’s fragmentation.
“Mourn Raila Odinga, but do not delay in taking over ODM’s leadership,” Havi said. “By now, you should have assumed control, or the party risks disintegration and being reduced to a regional outfit in Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, and Kisumu.”
Havi emphasized that Raila built ODM as a national movement and would not have wanted it confined to his home region. He likened political transition to monarchy, where succession should happen swiftly to maintain stability.
“When a king dies, the heir is immediately prepared for coronation,” he said. “Leadership transitions demand decisiveness, not hesitation.”
Havi urged Sifuna to rise above mourning and lead ODM into its next phase with vision and firmness, arguing that strong leadership is key to preserving Raila’s legacy.
His remarks come amid uncertainty within ODM over who should officially succeed Raila. While Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has been named acting party leader, discussions continue over the party’s long-term direction.
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Some ODM members advocate continued cooperation with the government, while others insist the party should field its own presidential candidate in 2027.
Sifuna has been among those pushing for ODM’s independence and grassroots revival ahead of the next election.
Raila Odinga, who led ODM and Kenya’s opposition politics for decades, died on October 15, 2025, in Kochi, India, while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Meanwhile, ODM delegates from Nyanza have endorsed Oburu Odinga to succeed his late brother, with leaders from Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay counties rallying behind his leadership during the transition.
