Overview

• At Raila Odinga’s burial, President William Ruto promised to respect and support ODM and said he would block efforts to “uproot” the party.
• Ruth Odinga said her brother’s final wish was that ODM remain united and strong as it reorganizes after his death in India from cardiac arrest at 80.
• ODM named Dr Oburu Oginga interim leader, but internal tensions persist, including criticism from Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo over cooperation with the government.
• Ruto highlighted ODM’s role in his broad-based government and cited John Mbadi’s appointment as finance minister as part of the parties’ working arrangement.
• Analysts say Odinga’s death complicates Ruto’s 2027 path and raises doubts about the durability of the power-sharing setup in a tough economic environment.