Atwoli: If we are not careful, there will be no ODM
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has warned that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could fail to survive following the death of its former party leader, Raila Odinga, if its members are not careful. Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Friday, October 16, the outspoken trade unionist […]
Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli has cautioned that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could cease to exist following the passing of its former leader, Raila Odinga, if its members do not take proper care. During an interview on Friday, October 16, Atwoli likened the ODM's situation to a cultural practice in the Luhya community where a deceased person is believed to relinquish their belongings if no one remains to safeguard them. "If they are not careful, there will be no ODM," he warned.
Atwoli, a former close associate of Raila, stated that the same fate could befall the ODM if there were no party members committed to preserving the legacy left by the former Prime Minister. His comments followed a warning from Raila's former aide, Dennis Odinga, who cautioned that the Orange party could face serious repercussions if it mishandled its 2027 election nominations.
Onyango emphasized that the party's future would depend on its ability to conduct credible nominations and award tickets to candidates who legitimately win the internal elections.
Onyango, speaking to K24 TV on Wednesday, October 14, admitted that Raila had intended to establish the ODM as a robust political entity that would outlast him and future leaders. "If they mishandle the nomination, I don’t think ODM will go beyond 2027," he noted. He further highlighted that the ODM would have a better chance of remaining politically relevant beyond 2027 if it secured a significant number of seats in the elections.
"I think if ODM manages to get substantial seats in the 2027 election, it will have a life going into 2032," Onyango stated. However, he cautioned that the party's political survival would critically depend on the way the nomination process was handled, saying, "A lot will depend, in my view, on the nominations in ODM," he added.
He warned that the party risked losing its political influence if the nomination process was manipulated or failed to accurately reflect the members' wishes.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
