Brian Midiwo, nephew to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and son of the late Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, has asserted that Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o serves as the acting leader of ODM.
In statements carried by TV47 Digital during a weekend edition broadcast, Midiwo maintained that Nyong'o holds the acting leadership role.
He further clarified that Raila's brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, functions as the party's patron rather than its active leader.
These remarks come amid ongoing speculation and reported divisions within the party, which has been grappling with questions over direction, coalition strategies, and succession following Raila Odinga's reduced day-to-day involvement.
Nyong'o was formally handed acting leadership responsibilities by Raila in late 2024, a move aimed at ensuring continuity during periods of absence or transition.
However, recent months have seen public disagreements, including debates between Oburu and secretary general Edwin Sifuna over party policy, financing, and representation in government talks.
Some ODM members and officials have questioned Oburu's approach to leadership, while others have rallied behind him or called for broader consultations.
These latest allegations from Midiwo, a figure connected to the extended Odinga family, add fuel to perceptions of fracturing unity.
Party officials have previously dismissed such reports as exaggerated or reflective of healthy democratic debate.
Yet, with the 2027 elections approaching, the claims highlight persistent challenges in defining clear roles and maintaining cohesion within ODM ranks.
Observers note that such public statements could deepen existing rifts if not addressed through internal dialogue.
The party continues to position itself as a key player in Kenyan opposition politics, but these developments underscore the complexities of leadership transitions in a major political outfit.
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