The Controversy Over Raila Odinga’s Last Words
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has strongly refuted claims made by politicians who assert they received political directives from the late Raila Odinga before his passing. He described these accounts as false and self-serving, emphasizing that such narratives are not aligned with the truth.
Mbadi accused leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of distorting Raila’s position and misleading the public about the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections. He maintained that he had a closer relationship with Raila than many of those now claiming to have held final conversations with him.
Since Raila’s passing, several individuals who were close to him have come forward with stories about what he allegedly said in his final days. These accounts suggest that Raila provided guidance on the political direction the ODM party and the broader Luo community should take.
Some claim that Raila advised them to align with President William Ruto’s government beyond 2027, while others insist he instructed them to oppose the government and work towards forming the next administration. However, these claims have been met with skepticism and criticism.
Dismissing the Claims as Fabricated
Onyango, who is the National Treasury CS, dismissed all such claims as baseless. Speaking in Nyatike, Migori County, on Saturday, 8 November, Onyango stated that many of those asserting they spoke with Raila are fabricating stories for political gain. He specifically criticized ODM figures who remain ambiguous about the party’s opposition stance ahead of the 2027 general election.
He condemned them for misrepresenting Raila’s last public statement as endorsements of Ruto. “I hear different stories out here. Some are saying ‘I called Raila,’ some are saying, ‘Raila said this,’ others, ‘we’ll have a candidate in 2027.’ I was in the PG where Raila warned against committing people to things that have not been said, not knowing even ODM might have a candidate,” Onyango said.
According to Onyango, those claiming to have had a close connection with Raila were, in reality, insignificant to him. He added that Raila never took their views seriously, contrary to what they now suggest.
“There is nobody Raila used to talk to more than me that I see people nowadays going to rallies and saying they spoke with Raila. Many people used to talk to him but after you leave he’d say, ‘that one is talking nonsense’, while you get out there bragging about how you’ve had fruitful talks. So let’s stop lying to ourselves,” he said.
Reassessing ODM’s Strategy
At the same time, Onyango laid out what he considers ODM’s only realistic strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. He dismissed as misguided the belief that ODM can still field a strong presidential contender.
He noted that Raila was the party’s sole nationally resonant figure, and with his passing, ODM must confront the reality that no one else within its ranks matches his stature or electoral strength.
According to him, ODM should consider joining either of the leading camps at this moment, saying Ruto’s is the best choice compared to the opposition. This suggestion highlights the challenges ODM faces in maintaining relevance and influence in the current political landscape.
Conclusion
The debate over Raila Odinga’s legacy and the future direction of the ODM party continues to unfold. As political figures vie for attention and influence, the need for clarity and honesty becomes increasingly important. With the upcoming 2027 elections on the horizon, the party must navigate these challenges carefully to ensure it remains a significant force in Kenyan politics.