The former Law Society of Kenya President, Nelson Havi, has offered a sharp view of the current state of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
According to him, the party that once stood strong under Raila Odinga’s leadership is slowly breaking apart.
He argues that many ODM members are unhappy, unsure, and increasingly disconnected from the direction the party is taking.
Havi says that ODM’s internal struggles did not start today.
They have been building up over time, especially after Raila Odinga became less active in day-to-day party affairs.
With Raila focusing more on regional and international duties, ODM has been left to operate under new hands.
And some members feel that things are not being handled well.
The unity, confidence, and clarity that the party enjoyed before now seem to be fading.
A major point of concern, Havi notes, is the rise of Oburu Odinga as the party leader.
Oburu, a long-time politician and Raila’s elder brother, has stepped into a more central role.
However, Havi believes there are growing questions within and outside the party about how legitimate his leadership truly is.
He says some ODM members feel Oburu’s position was not achieved through a transparent, competitive, or democratic process.
Because of these concerns, Havi predicts that a legal battle may soon arise.
He explains that it is very possible that a leader from the ruling UDA party could take the matter to court
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Politics