Kivutha Kibwana and Robert Alai clash over Raila Odinga’s legacy and ODM’s future
By Faith Lagat, January 8, 2026Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai have engaged in a public exchange over the legacy of the late Raila Odinga and the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This highlights growing tensions within and around the party following Raila’s death.
The exchange was triggered by a post by Kibwana on January 7, 2026, marking what would have been Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday. In the message, Kibwana reflected on Raila’s political journey while raising concerns about the state of ODM after his passing.
“BABA, you were a gift to us, but left behind a struggling Kenya. Tried to lead us to Canaan. But alas, Jakom, ODM now is like the baby contested by two prostitutes, one happy it be sliced into two. 1 Kings 3:16-28. Reveal to us a King Solomon. HB ENIGMA,” Kibwana wrote.
Kibwana’s biblical reference
In his post, Kibwana drew from the biblical account of King Solomon’s judgment to illustrate what he described as deepening divisions within ODM. The former governor suggested that internal disputes and succession struggles risk fragmenting the party following Raila’s death on October 15, 2025.
While praising Raila as a national figure who sought to guide Kenya toward political and social reform, Kibwana expressed concern that the party he founded could be weakened by factional competition. His remarks came amid ongoing discussions within ODM on leadership succession and the party’s positioning ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Alai’s response and Kibwana’s rebuttal
Quoting Kibwana’s message, Alai dismissed the former governor’s remarks, writing, “Baba was a gift to you? Really? Kweli, you are a tumbocrat.”
Alai’s response questioned Kibwana’s framing of Raila as a personal benefactor and criticised what he appeared to view as self-centred commentary. The remark intensified the exchange, prompting a direct rebuttal from Kibwana in a post dated January 8, 2025.
“Mheshimiwa ALAI I am not your enemy! In the 90s I was the spokesperson of the country’s pro-democracy movement. That is how far I worked with Baba. You should soon make up your mind about whether you are a UDA or ODM blogger,” Kibwana replied.
In his response, Kibwana emphasised his long-standing involvement in Kenya’s pro-democracy struggle and his collaboration with Raila during the push for multiparty politics. He also questioned Alai’s political alignment, referencing perceptions that the MCA has increasingly expressed positions supportive of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
ODM at a crossroads after Raila
The public exchange unfolded against a backdrop of broader activity within ODM as leaders and supporters marked Raila Odinga’s posthumous birthday with separate events across the country. At the Odinga family residence in Karen, Mama Ida Odinga hosted a gathering where she called for unity and dialogue among party members.
Meanwhile, in Kilifi, Coast leaders, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, convened to reaffirm the region’s commitment to ODM principles as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, speaking during an event in Bondo, acknowledged that ideological differences within the party have increasingly played out in public. He pledged to work toward preserving party unity and Raila’s political legacy.
“It will not be me to wreck Mzee’s party… I am very prepared; it doesn’t matter what has happened between us. I am going to extend that olive branch,” Sifuna said.