Kenya’s opposition succession battle draws in Ruto, Uhuru as 2027 race takes shape

• ODM factional battle intensifies after Raila Odinga’s death
• Ruto and Uhuru vie for influence ahead of 2027 election

NAIROBI, KENYA – Kenya’s opposition politics have been thrown into fresh turmoil as a bitter succession struggle inside the Orange Democratic Movement pulls in President William Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta.

The infighting follows the death of ODM founder and longtime opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India. Raila, a former prime minister and five-time presidential contender, founded ODM in 2005 and built it into one of Kenya’s most influential political movements.