Elachi says Raila’s authority in ODM is unquestioned
By Kiprono Keileb, July 29, 2025In a candid TV interview that sparked political debate, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi offered a frank glimpse into the inner workings of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), stating that although the party upholds democratic ideals, Raila Odinga remains its unquestioned authority.
Speaking during a local political talk show on a local television station on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Elachi did not hold back as she painted a picture of a party where members are free to voice their opinions, so long as they align with what Raila eventually decides.
“You can say what you want, give your suggestions, but at the end of the day, ODM is Baba,” she said, referring to the former prime minister by his widely used political nickname.
Her remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal questions about its future leadership and succession. As Raila Odinga maintains a significant influence in national politics, Elachi’s sentiments reflect a growing acceptance least among some party loyalists, that the ODM leader remains the unchallenged force behind key decisions.
Political survival
Elachi went further to illustrate Raila’s grip on the party’s political fortunes by citing Kisii Governor Simba Arati’s rise. According to her, Arati’s 10-year tenure as Dagoretti North MP was not just about his popularity or strategy, but a direct reflection of Raila’s influence.
“That was a vote for Baba,” she said, suggesting that political survival within ODM is tightly tied to unwavering loyalty to Odinga.
Her statement sheds light on the often-criticised but rarely publicly acknowledged reality within many Kenyan political parties, where perceived democracy often operates within a framework of centralised leadership.
“If you play around,” she said, “Baba will go to your people, and they will leave you.”
Elachi’s remarks have sparked reactions online and among political pundits, with some lauding her honesty and others questioning the implications of such centralised leadership in a modern democracy.