Who Will Inherit Raila Odinga’s Political Empire? Kalonzo Musyoka or Gachagua?

For more than three decades, the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader, Raila Odinga, had been the heartbeat of Kenya’s politics – a man whose influence spanned several generations. Not only did Raila enjoy a loyal following of millions of supporters, but he also had the power to shake governments.

From the late Daniel arap Moi to Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and William Ruto, Raila was a force to be reckoned with, balancing and checking the administrations of all these presidents.

Sadly, his untimely death on 15th October 2025 ended his political career abruptly. With Raila’s death, a new question is gripping the nation: Who will carry the torch of Baba?

It is without a doubt that Kenya has a vast pool of leaders, but who among them has the charisma, strategy, and national appeal to succeed Raila Odinga? In this segment, Times Digital Kenya explores some of the potential successors shaping the country’s political future.

Raila Odinga’s Political Legacy

The former Prime Minister played a major role in strengthening Kenya’s democracy at a time when many leaders and citizens lacked a voice to defend their rights. Odinga was fearless — a key figure in the struggle to transition Kenya from a one-party state during President Moi’s regime.

As from 2008, the late ODM leader, served as Prime Minister working with President Mwai Kibaki despite claiming that his victory had been stolen in the 2007 General Election. That election saw Kibaki controversially sworn in for a second term, sparking chaos and violence across the country. In the aftermath of the post-election crisis, Odinga chose unity over division, agreeing to share power with Kibaki for the sake of Kenya’s peace and stability.

That’s not all, Raila Odinga was instrumental in championing the 2010 Constitution, which established Kenya’s current system of devolution. This helped reshape the country’s governance structure. Beyond Kenya’s borders, Odinga’s influence extended across Africa, where he was widely respected as a Pan-African statesman and a steadfast voice for reform, democracy, and good governance throughout the continent.

Kalonzo Musyoka: The Loyal Ally Turned Contender

With Raila Odinga leaving a huge political vacuum in the country, his long-time ally and former Vice President, Kalonzo Musyoka, is among the Kenyan political leaders seen as a potential successor to the late Prime Minister.

Kalonzo, a veteran in Kenya’s political arena, first served in government under the country’s second president, Daniel arap Moi, as the Secretary-General of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) from 1980 to 1988. He was later appointed Assistant Minister for Works from 1986 to 1988 before serving as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly from 1988 to 1992.

Kalonzo continued his service in the Moi administration as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1993 to 1998, and later as Minister for Education from 1998 to 2001.

The seasoned politician also served under Kenya’s third president, Mwai Kibaki, who appointed him as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2003 to 2004, and later as Minister for Environment from 2004 to 2005. Kalonzo would later fall out with Kibaki, prompting him to vie against the incumbent in the 2007 General Election. Kalonzo was unsuccessful in his Presidential bid. Following the disputed election and the ensuing post-election crisis, Kalonzo joined forces with Kibaki and was appointed Vice President, a position he held from 2008 to 2013.

Kalonzo’s long tenure in government came to an end that year when he became Raila Odinga’s running mate in both the 2013 and 2017 General Elections, though the duo was unsuccessful on both occasions. In 2022, Kalonzo once again supported Raila’s presidential bid, but their efforts fell short as William Ruto emerged victorious. Since then, Kalonzo has remained a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, positioning himself as a key opposition figure while keeping his sights firmly set on the presidency.

With over 40 years of experience in government and Parliament, the question now lingers: Can Kalonzo Musyoka truly fill the shoes of the late Raila Odinga?

Rigathi Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is another name emerging from the opposition camp as a potential contender to inherit Raila Odinga’s vast political empire. Although Gachagua and Raila were never on the same side politically, the former has, in less than two years, transformed into one of the country’s most vocal opposition figures.

Gachagua, who served as Deputy President under William Ruto from 2022 to 2024, first entered Parliament in 2017 as the Member of Parliament for Mathira Constituency. After serving just one term, Ruto selected him as his running mate in the 2022 General Election.

Before joining elective politics, Gachagua worked under President Daniel arap Moi as a District Officer Cadet between 1991 and 1992. He later served as District Officer in Navakholo Division, Kakamega District, and Ng’arua Division, Laikipia District.

Though his tenure in government has been relatively short, Gachagua has earned a reputation as a skilled mobilizer, articulate communicator, and attentive listener qualities that draw large crowds to his rallies. His charisma and ability to connect with ordinary citizens have often been compared to that of the late ODM boss, Raila Odinga.

Does Rigathi Gachagua truly stand a chance to succeed Raila’s political legacy?

Also, it’s important not to overlook the growing influence of the young generation, especially Gen Z. The death of Raila Odinga could trigger a major realignment of political alliances, as youthful voters seek new voices and fresh leadership to represent their aspirations.

This shift could pave the way for the rise of younger leaders such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, among others.

With all that, the question remains: Can Kenya ever have another Raila Odinga?

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