Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has compared the ongoing internal struggles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to the biblical story of King Solomon and the disputed baby.

In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Kibwana used the metaphor while wishing the late ODM leader Raila Odinga a happy birthday, describing him as a gift to the nation who attempted to lead Kenyans to their promised land.

“BABA (Raila Odinga), You were a gift to us, but left behind a struggling Kenya. Tried to lead us to Canaan,” Kibwana stated.

Biblical comparison

The former governor drew a stark biblical parallel to describe ODM’s current predicament, referencing the story of King Solomon’s judgment.

“But alas, Jakom, ODM now is like the Baby contested by two prostitutes, one happy it be sliced into two. 1 King 3: 16-28,” he stated.

Kibwana concluded his message by calling on Raila metaphorically to reveal a wise leader who could resolve the party’s crisis.

“Reveal to us a King Solomon. Happy Birthday, ENIGMA,” he said.

Call for unity

Kibwana’s statement comes hours after Ida Odinga called for unity, calm, and dialogue within ODM, urging party leaders to resolve their differences through consultation rather than public confrontation.

Speaking during a ceremony marking what would have been Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Mama Ida framed her message around sacrifice, patience, and the values that have shaped the party over the decades.

“In honouring the legacy of Baba Raila Amolo Odinga on his birthday, I call on the leadership of the party to speak with one voice, sit down and reason together, and resolve issues and differences through consultations and dialogue in the interest of the party,” the ODM party wrote on X.

During a similar event in Kikambala, Kilifi, ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir affirmed that the Coast region remains united, focused, and committed to collective consultation as it charts its political path toward 2027

“As a region, we are consulting within ourselves on our political direction going into 2027,” he noted.

“We must work with those who align with our principles and who believe in strengthening devolution, upholding accountability, and governing in a way that places citizens at the centre of decision-making,” he added.