Olekina: ODM will stay true to Baba’s vision, we won't fight

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina speaking during funeral service of Raila Odinga in Bondo, October 19, 2025. /SCREENGRAB

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has dismissed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement will collapse under internal wrangles following the death of its leader, Raila Odinga.

Speaking during the final send-off service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology on Sunday, Olekina said members of the party will remain faithful to Raila’s vision of national unity despite differing political leanings.

“I know a lot of people are expecting that ODM will fight, that ODM will have different facets. I want to assure Kenyans that as long as God gives us time on this earth, we will follow Baba’s footsteps,” he declared.

“Baba said that we stay together, and that is the message he left for us. I do hope that we can all come together to ensure we fulfil the dreams and aspirations of our hero,” he added.

Raila entered into a working relationship with President William Ruto at the height of the youth-led anti-government protests sparked by the controversial Finance Bill in June 2024.

The move led to the formation of a broad-based government, which was largely credited with quelling the riots that had threatened to destabilise the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Amid unease from some of his lieutenants, Raila repeatedly insisted that ODM would remain part of the government at least until after the 2027 elections.

Olekina reaffirmed that stance on Sunday, dismissing suggestions that the party would reverse course.

Recalling events at the Bomas of Kenya on August 15, 2022, when the presidential election results were announced, Olekina said Raila had remained optimistic about ODM’s political future despite losing to Ruto.

“There’s a lot that he shared with me occasionally when we had private lunches or travelled together,” he said.

Sharing a personal memory, Olekina recalled a conversation after he was injured as he and other ODM foot soldiers attempted to disrupt the declaration of election results at the Bomas of Kenya.

He said he was admitted in hospital following the fracas.

“Baba called me and told me one thing: ‘My son, what is important is the unity of this country. Your health is more important. Our victory has just been delayed, but it’s inevitable — it’s coming.’”

He said Raila had spoken for the party and the country for decades, but now that he is gone, the responsibility falls on the younger generation to carry on his legacy.

“Before Baba went, he showed us the way. He brought us into the broad-based government, and I want to tell you, that is where we are,” Olekina said.

Turning to President Ruto, the senator said Raila was known for “always being right” — a principle he believed still holds even in death.

“Baba would always tell us to go right, and we would not question. I want to assure you Mr President, for what you have done for us, we shall remain united to go the way Baba wanted — to stay in the broad-based government.”

Raila died on Wednesday from cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in India, sparking speculation about the fate of the unity government and the ODM party in his absence.

The country is observing a seven-day mourning period, now on its fourth day, as he is laid to rest at the family gravesite at Kang’o Kajaramogi in Bondo, Siaya county. He was 80.