Poghisio warns ODM risks becoming Nyanza-centric if tribal politics persist
By Faith Lagat, October 27, 2025Former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio has cautioned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against succumbing to regional and tribal politics following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, October 27, 2025, he warned that if the party continues to embrace a regional or tribal approach, it risks becoming more centred in Nyanza and losing its national appeal.
“If ODM continues to embrace a regional or tribal approach, it will gravitate more toward Nyanza and risk becoming a regional rather than a national party,” he noted.
Poghisio’s remarks highlight the challenges ODM faces as it navigates a leadership transition and internal divisions.
Leadership transition challenges
Poghisio emphasised the need for careful restructuring under interim leader Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother.
He advised that subjecting ODM to immediate elections after Raila’s death is risky, noting that many are eyeing the party for its resources, strong structures, and political longevity.
He urged Oburu Odinga to focus on building a national structure that preserves the party’s image, rather than allowing regional dominance to dictate its trajectory.
“Subjecting ODM to elections immediately after Raila’s death is risky. Everyone is eyeing ODM because it has resources, strong structures, and political longevity — from the ruling party to the opposition. As interim leader, Oburu Odinga should build a national structure that does not betray the image of the party.”
Concerns over tribal politics
Governance expert Cathy Irungu also criticised the resurgence of tribal politics within ODM, describing it as a step back to divisive practices.
She pointed out that some elder leaders appear to be pushing a divide-and-rule agenda, contrasting it with the unity seen during the maandamanos and the post-handshake period between the late Raila and Ruto, which had attempted to bridge generational and political divides.
“It’s unfortunate that some elder leaders want to drag us back to the dark days of tribal politics. During the maandamanos, everyone came to the streets. But after the handshake between the late Raila and Ruto, it became clear — goons versus Gen Zs and it was chaotic. They now seem to be pushing a divide-and-rule agenda.