In a statement shared on X, Jakakimba described Raila Odinga’s personal brand as the “overriding lifeline” that sustained ODM and gave it national prominence over the years.
He noted that ongoing internal maneuvering within the party, which had been suppressed by Raila’s unifying presence, risks undermining the late leader’s legacy.
“There is not any one single person from ODM’s rank and file who can squarely fit the breadths and widths of Hon. Odinga's leadership and political shoes, whether at the focal coordinative role on Broad-Based Government (BBG) issues or otherwise,” Jakakimba stated.
The former PA singled out Raila’s brother, Hon. Dr. Oburu Oginga, as a natural leader capable of guiding ODM forward and ensuring the party maintains its role in national affairs.
He emphasized that Oburu possesses the qualities necessary to lead the party into its next chapter.
Jakakimba also addressed the political alignment of the Luo community in the coming 2027 elections, stating that it will support President William Ruto.
He warned that any attempts by retrospective elements within ODM to create a position contrary to Raila’s legacy or the community’s stance would not alter this decision.
“For the record, The Rt. Hon. Odinga left both the Luo Nation and his national constituency in the Broad-Based Government. The Luo Nation will support William Ruto in 2027. There is NO going back to any streets, not in this window,” Jakakimba wrote.
His statement shows both the challenges facing ODM in the absence of Raila Odinga and the political decisions already being shaped by his influence and the Luo community’s position.
Jakakimba stressed that development projects and initiatives championed during Raila’s lifetime must continue, signaling a continued focus on governance and national development rather than street-level politics.
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