Kileleshwa ward Member for County Assembly Robert Alai has ignited a heated debate after launching a sharp rebuttal against former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana over comments on the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) succession politics.
The exchange, which played out publicly on X (formerly Twitter), has exposed growing tensions as discussions intensify around the party’s future beyond longtime leader Raila Odinga who passed away in 2025.
Kibwana’s Advice on ODM’s Future
Kibwana had weighed in on the internal debate by urging ODM to protect its progressive voices, warning against sidelining younger leaders within the party.
“Free advice: James Orengo, Anyang’ Nyong’o, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino (aspiring to be Baba) are valuable assets in ODM’s progressive politics. Ejecting the younger two will injure ODM,” Kibwana wrote.
He further argued that ODM remains one of only two truly national political parties, alongside the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), cautioning against decisions that could weaken its standing.
“As of now ODM and UDA are the only national parties. Oburu, why bury ODM with Baba?” he posed.
Alai Fires Back
Alai, however, dismissed Kibwana’s remarks, questioning his standing in regards to ODM and accusing him of historical opposition to the party’s presidential ambitions.
“You are ODM member number? You can’t be an idler from another party claiming to even love ODM while you worked so hard in 2007 to ensure that ODM didn’t touch the Presidency,” Alai responded.
His remarks appeared aimed at challenging Kibwana’s moral authority to advise ODM on its internal affairs, particularly on matters of succession and leadership direction.
Succession Politics Expose ODM Fault Lines
The clash underscores the delicate balancing act ODM faces as it navigates generational transition and the rising influence of younger leaders such as Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino.
As ODM continues to reposition itself in the post-2022 political landscape, the Alai–Kibwana exchange highlights deeper ideological and strategic disagreements that could define the party’s next chapter.
With succession politics now openly debated, pressure is mounting on ODM’s top leadership to manage dissent without fracturing one of Kenya’s most influential opposition parties.
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