Political analyst Macharia Munene, who also lectures on history and international relations at a local university, has claimed that President William Ruto might be the one currently running the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party.

Speaking to a local TV station hours after the funeral of the late political enigma and ODM leader Raila Odinga on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Prof. Munene said there appeared to be “trouble in paradise” within the opposition party.

Also Watch: President William Ruto views the body of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium

According to the political scholar, President Ruto’s remarks during the funeral, where he urged unity within ODM and warned against internal divisions, revealed more than what many realised.

“President Ruto said he would not allow the breaking of ODM. There is trouble in paradise. He will not allow it because President Ruto might be running ODM,” Prof. Munene stated.

Analysts react to ODM power struggle

His comments have sparked intense public debate, especially following the show of disunity among ODM leaders during and after Raila’s burial.

Several members have publicly clashed over the party’s direction and future leadership.

Political analyst Barrack Muluka echoed Munene’s concerns, describing the tension within ODM as part of a broader political realignment after Raila’s death.

“In the chants to ‘hang’ him, Edwin Sifuna must realise that he is now on the tough path to greatness,” Muluka said, referring to the internal criticism directed at the ODM Secretary General during recent events.

Muluka also reflected on the enduring nature of political dynasties in Kenya, saying that the Odinga family’s role in national politics was deeply rooted in history and identity.

“If you are an Odinga, politics is in your DNA. All we can hope is that the strand of politics remains rooted in the people’s ideals,” he said.

Future of ODM after Raila’s death

Muluka added that the late Raila Odinga’s departure from KANU two decades ago fundamentally changed Kenyan politics and left lasting consequences.

“Raila Odinga left KANU, and 23 years later, KANU has never recovered,” he noted.

The remarks by both analysts come amid growing speculation about who will take over the ODM leadership following Raila’s death.

With internal factions already forming, the future of the party, once Kenya’s strongest opposition movement, remains uncertain.