The Orange Democratic Movement has picked on Oburu Odinga to act as the Party Leader, following the demise of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. While it was almost certain that the party would go for an old guard, there were mixed expectations when the party’s youthful members and supporters hoped that the mantle would be bequeathed to a youthful leader, probably Babu Owino or Edwin Sifuna, the two leaders that resonate well with the aspirations of the youth. However, the clash between the selfish interests of the old guard and the expectations of the youth has almost made it impossible for the youthful leaders to settle in ODM. Since the 2022 General Elections, ODM has witnessed a slow exodus of vibrant and aggressive youthful leaders and luminaries like Ascon Kamili, whose conduct of activities in a reformed manner threated and defied the old guard.
Whereas Babu Owino and Ediwn Sifuna resonate with the youth, the party could not settle on them because they represent the left wing ideologies that enunciate liberalism, progress and reforms. On the other hand, the old guard within the party hierarchies jealously guard traditions, conservatism, and status quo. Sifuna and Owino’ style of leadership will quickly phase off the status quo, which the party wants to be sustained.
The status quo is highly entrenched in the way ODM has been doing things, from party nominations, negotiations with the government, interest in governance, call for reforms, and politics of compromise among others. With their aggressiveness, compounded by the fact that the final decision in critical matters always lies with the party leader, the entry of the two would see a quick transformation, which will witness the rebranding of the party within the shortest time. While Sifuna is the current Secretary General, he does not have a free hand as his activities are carefully monitored and vetted by the old guard within the party hierarchies.
Second, the party leadership position cannot be entrusted with the two because they strongly command the youthful population, to the fear of the old guard. The middle aged and elderly party henchmen who have always held the party at ransom know very well that once the party is bequeathed to youthful leaders, they will be edged out with new reforms which will see the party membership dominated by the new blood, thirsty for overhaul. Their politics of dominance and middle men who acted as stumbling blocks will also be quickly quashed.
Finally, just like the civil service, the old guard within the party ranks would not want to see the youth rise to the brim. While they would support the growth of the youth, they would want it in piecemeal, slow and insignificant increments, and not at the fast pace which the youth would like. The elderly wants it slowly so that they can continue keeping the youth under their wing and manipulating them for their own selfish interests. For these reasons, ODM NEC would rather bequeath the partly leadership to someone who will perpetuate the status quo rather than to those who will reform and revamp the party.
The Columnist is a Research Consultant, Policy Analyst & Strategist