Chaos in Bondo as Rival ODM Factions Turn Raila’s Memorial into a Political Showdown

The first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death descended into chaos on Thursday after rival groups clashed at Migwena Cultural Centre in Bondo, Siaya County, exposing divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over leadership, political alliances and the party’s future.

Thousands of mourners, political leaders and supporters gathered to honour the former Prime Minister, who died on 15 October 2025. However, tensions between rival political factions disrupted the ceremony, with groups of youths gathering around the VIP section and forcing organisers to intervene.

The event began with a church service led by the Anglican Church of Kenya, followed by prayers, tributes and musical performances. However, efforts to maintain order became increasingly difficult as crowds pushed into restricted areas, forcing members of the Odinga family, including widow Ida Odinga and several of their children, to leave the main VIP enclosure.

The situation deteriorated when some attendees began throwing stones, triggering panic. Security officers used plastic chairs to shield political leaders as sections of the crowd fled. Some participants were reportedly injured during the disturbances.

The clashes reflected growing disagreements within ODM over how to carry forward Raila’s political legacy. A year after his death, the party continues to face questions about its leadership, political direction and relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.

Addressing mourners, Ida called for calm and reconciliation, urging supporters to honour her late husband through dialogue and mutual respect rather than confrontation. She also disclosed that ODM leader and family spokesperson Dr Oburu Oginga had been unable to attend because of health concerns. However, she reassured mourners that his condition was not critical.

Ida described the past year as a difficult period for the family, marked by grief following Raila’s death and the subsequent loss of another close family member. She appealed to both older and younger generations to exercise restraint and resolve their differences peacefully.

Reflecting on her husband’s political journey, she recalled publicly supporting his presidential ambitions during the Azimio la Umoja campaign. She expressed sadness that, despite years of political struggle and sacrifice, the country had ultimately returned him to his family only after his death.

Her remarks prompted a sombre response from supporters who continue to regard Raila as one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s political history. Despite the occasion’s focus on remembrance, several speeches and declarations brought the party’s succession debate to the forefront.

Winnie Odinga announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat, positioning herself as a representative of a younger generation seeking a greater role in governance. Her declaration added a new dimension to discussions about the Odinga family’s future political influence and the direction of ODM.

Her brother, Raila Odinga Junior, also outlined his political ambitions, seeking support for a future role in Kibra. He said he wanted to continue his father’s work, particularly the struggle for social justice and the protection of ordinary Kenyans from inequality and injustice.

The political ambitions of the two siblings highlighted the growing role of the Odinga family in determining the party’s future following the death of its long-serving leader. ODM now faces the challenge of maintaining its identity and influence while managing a leadership transition.

Further signs of internal disagreement emerged in remarks by Raila’s sister, Ruth Odinga. She said her commitment was to social justice rather than any particular political party, suggesting that she could consider joining another political formation if it offered a more effective platform for advancing those principles.

Her comments reflected a wider disagreement within ODM over whether the party should maintain a confrontational approach towards Ruto’s administration or continue engaging the government through the broad-based political arrangement.

The differences became apparent in speeches by political leaders attending the anniversary.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati defended ODM’s strength, rejecting claims that the party was losing political ground. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, meanwhile, argued that cooperation with Ruto’s administration had delivered development benefits to the region.

In contrast, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka called for a more assertive opposition approach, arguing that Raila’s commitment to democracy, accountability and social justice should remain central to the country’s political direction.

Orengo predicted that opposition parties would eventually unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. Kalonzo described the opposition’s mission as a continuation of the political struggle Raila had led for decades.

Sifuna called for consensus-building and decision-making centred on citizens’ interests, while Babu Owino said Raila’s legacy was rooted in his willingness to defend disadvantaged Kenyans. The contrasting positions exposed the divisions between leaders who favour cooperation with the government and those who want ODM to strengthen its opposition role ahead of the next election.

Raila’s death removed a central figure who had held together different political groups and competing interests for decades. Although his supporters remain united by his memory and political legacy, their views on leadership, alliances and strategy are increasingly divided.