The death of Raila Odinga has left the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) facing one of its toughest tests whether it can carry forward the people-centred reforms its late leader championed. Raila, who passed away in India on October 15 and was buried in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 19, spent his final years pushing for systemic changes aimed at strengthening devolution and ending what he saw as abuse of public funds.
One of Raila’s most controversial positions was his call to strip Members of Parliament of control over the multibillion-shilling National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). He argued that the fund undermined devolution by giving MPs executive powers to manage development money, a role reserved for counties.
“Constituency is not a devolved unit,” Raila once declared. “Money meant for development should go to the counties, which are constitutionally mandated to implement projects.”
He also opposed MPs’ control over funds managed by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), warning that such involvement politicised service delivery and deepened corruption.
However, Raila’s stance often isolated him even within his own party as many ODM lawmakers viewed NG-CDF as vital to maintaining grassroots support. Analysts now warn that with Raila gone, his reform agenda could die with him.
“Without Raila, NG-CDF will continue,” said governance expert Prof Gitile Naituli, noting that no ODM leader appears willing to take the same political risks. Suba Churchill of the Kenya National Civil Society Centre echoed similar concerns, saying MPs remain conflicted because the fund is central to their political survival.
With President William Ruto showing strong support for NG-CDF, ODM’s resolve to champion Raila’s unfinished reforms faces an uphill battle. The question remains: will ODM choose the harder path of reform or the safer road of political convenience?
