President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, Professor Makau Mutua, now says no one can inherit the late ODM Leader Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Thursday, November 6, Mutua stated that Raila’s legacy cannot simply be transferred to another individual.
He noted that leaders aspiring to take over Raila’s political position will have to work diligently and over a long period to earn such stature.
“No one, and I mean nobody, can or will inherit Raila Odinga. Those who aspire to his stature will have to work as hard as he did and for as long to become towering political figures.
“Great leadership isn’t ginned up as if in a microwave,” said Mutua.
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Mutua’s sentiments come amid speculation within political circles on who will succeed the former Prime Minister, with several politicians being viewed as potential heirs.
Raila passed away on Wednesday, October 15, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in Kochi, India.
The ODM leader was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.
Raila was buried with his trademark hat and fly whisk, iconic items that defined his image throughout his political journey.
Following Raila’s death, his elder brother Oburu Oginga was named as the acting ODM party leader.
The Siaya Senator was given the role following a meeting held by the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC).
"The National Executive Committee (NEC) has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator of Siaya County, Dr. Oburu Oginga, as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately," ODM announced on October 16.
On Monday, October 27, lawyer Nelson Havi urged ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to move decisively and take charge of the party’s leadership.
In an interview on Monday, October 27, Havi argued that hesitation could lead to the party’s disintegration and division.
"Edwin Sifuna is my very good friend. I have some advice for him; accession to high office does not require hesitation. It doesn't require hesitation. When the king is killed, even in combat or in illness, the heir apparent must prepare for coronation quickly," he said.
Havi insisted that swift leadership action was necessary to prevent ODM from losing its national character and influence.
"So yes, he must not hesitate in taking over the leadership of ODM. In fact, by now, the ODM should have conglomerated at Chungwa House, taking over the leadership of this party,” he added.
