How Raila’s death reshaped Kenya’s political heartbeat
By Kiprono Keileb, October 23, 2025The death of former Prime Minister and the ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, which occurred on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, a man many saw as the face of Kenya’s democratic struggle, has shaken the country’s politics in ways few could have imagined.
From the halls of power to village marketplaces, conversations remain heavy, emotional, and divided. The mood is a mixture of grief, reflection, and political recalculations.
While much of the country is still mourning, a few leaders have sparked public outrage over remarks seen as insensitive and out of touch with the nation’s pain.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga is now facing mounting criticism after claiming that Raila’s death was “God’s plan” so that the Mt. Kenya region could finally receive attention in terms of development.
The statement, made during a burial ceremony, has ignited anger across the country, with many calling it reckless and disrespectful.
In sharp contrast, those who worked closely with Raila are still struggling to come to terms with his death.
For them, it is more than a political loss; it is the departure of a mentor, a friend, and a man whose influence stretched beyond party lines. Across the country, from Kisumu to Nairobi, emotional tributes continue to flow, painting the picture of a nation still in deep mourning.
President Signs Key Bills on the day of Raila’s death
As the country was processing the news of Raila’s passing, President William Ruto signed eight key bills into law, a move that sparked intense criticism.
Many Kenyans, including former Chief Justice and presidential hopeful David Maraga, have described the timing as insensitive, arguing that the moment called for national reflection rather than legislative action.
The bills, some of which touch cyber security, have since drawn heated debate both online and in Parliament.
Among the bills that President William Ruto signed into law on Wednesday, October 23, 2025, are;
- The National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- Land (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025
- Privatisation Bill, 2025
New faces and reintroduction into the limelight
Amid the tension, new faces are remerging. Ruth Odinga, Raila’s daughter, has quietly stepped into the spotlight, winning hearts with her calm presence and emotional tributes as well as her speech at Nyayo Stadium.
Many are now looking to her as a potential candidate for the Kibra parliamentary seat in 2027, the same seat she stepped out of in 2022, citing personal issues.
Her renewed public appearance has stirred conversations about a possible new Odinga chapter in Kenyan politics.
ODM direction
Meanwhile, ODM is facing internal disagreements over Raila’s final wishes for the party.
Some leaders, including Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, maintain that Raila Odinga preferred ODM to remain part of the broad-based government arrangement.
However, others, including ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, insist that Raila clearly instructed the party to shift focus and start preparing for the 2027 elections.
As Kenya mourns, one thing is clear: Raila’s death has not just left an emotional void. It has redrawn the map of alliances, opened wounds, and forced both friends and foes to reckon with what he meant to the country’s political heartbeat.