Political analyst and University of Nairobi lecturer Prof. Herman Manyora has cautioned ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna against engaging in direct confrontation with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Manyora also directed his warning to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, noting that while both leaders have the potential to win elective seats in the 2027 elections, openly challenging Raila could destroy their political careers.
According to the analyst, Raila’s grip on regions perceived to be his stronghold remains firm, and any attempt to undermine him in such areas would only result in political humiliation and defeat.
“If you are within Raila’s constituency, or if you are a leader in a place where Raila enjoys widespread support, being seen to be fighting him directly will spell doom for you. You can disagree with Raila and still win, but a direct fight with him will end in disaster,” Manyora warned.
He pointed to the recent turbulence within ODM following the formation of the broad-based government, stressing that internal disagreements are acceptable, but open confrontation with Raila is tantamount to political suicide for ODM leaders.
Manyora emphasized that Raila remains not just a politician, but a symbolic movement, and as such, any leader seeking political survival must tread cautiously when handling their relationship with him.
