Political analyst Herman Manyora has stated that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is the future leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking during an interview on his YouTube channel on Saturday, October 25, 2025, Manyora said that following the death of Raila Odinga, the time is ripe for Sifuna to take over the party’s leadership. He noted that there is an intergenerational shift happening globally in politics and leadership, and ODM must embrace succession if it is to survive beyond Raila’s era.

“Yeah, it is. You see, at any level, whether it’s national or family, and globally, there is an intergenerational change. Whether you like it or not, they all are exiting the scene. For any institution to survive, it must think succession,” Manyora stated.

According to Manyora, Raila always believed in empowering young leaders, and handing over the party leadership to Sifuna would be in line with that vision.

“The future leader of ODM is Sifuna, and that is what everybody is saying. Now, ODM can only survive if there is generational change. That succession after the passing of Raila creates that avenue because Raila believes in young people, and that is why they must hand over to Sifuna,” he said.

He also questioned the suitability of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga to serve as the interim party leader, arguing that the party needs a capable hand to steady the ship during this transition period. Manyora suggested that Siaya Governor James Orengo would have been a better fit for the acting role.

Cracks in ODM

His remarks come at a time when ODM appears to be divided over its future direction following Raila’s death. A section of young leaders led by Edwin Sifuna are opposed to the idea of ODM joining a broad-based alliance that supports President William Ruto in the next election.

On the other hand, leaders allied to Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga insist that the party should remain in the broad-based coalition, maintaining that ODM should uphold the direction set by the late Raila Odinga.

Sifuna, however, has dismissed this approach, emphasising the need for a new political path for the party.