Amisi says Raila’s legacy key to preserving ODM, calls for council leadership
By Kiprono Keileb, October 29, 2025Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has called for a major shift in how the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is structured, saying the party must move away from single-person leadership if it is to survive and honour the legacy of Raila Odinga.
In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Amisi said ODM should now be guided by collective wisdom rather than individual authority, proposing that a council of elders take over the leadership role to safeguard the ideals that Raila built over the years. “ODM needs to be led by a council of elders, not one party leader,” Amisi wrote.
The outspoken legislator said the decision is not just about leadership succession but about preserving a legacy that shaped Kenya’s political history. Raila Odinga, who led ODM for over two decades, was widely seen as the face of opposition politics and the voice of Kenya’s democracy struggles.
Amisi emphasised that Raila’s leadership should mark both the beginning and the end of a single-party leader era in ODM.
“The first and the last party leader of ODM was our late Baba. Anything else won’t help to preserve the legacy of Raila Odinga,” he said.
Also watch: Amisi foresees looming split in ODM following Raila’s death.
His remarks come at a time when discussions around the future of ODM are intensifying following the passing of its leader, Raila Odinga. As one of Kenya’s oldest and most influential parties, ODM now faces the challenge of redefining itself in a post-Raila era, balancing between generational change and loyalty to the values that built the movement.
Amisi’s proposal for a council of elders appears aimed at ensuring unity and avoiding internal divisions that often arise during leadership transitions. “Kenya needs a renaissance,” he added, in what seemed to be a broader call for political renewal beyond ODM.
The statement has sparked fresh debate within political circles, with many interpreting Amisi’s remarks as a plea for ODM to protect its identity and remain true to its founding mission of justice, democracy, and reform.