Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga has raised the political temperature around preparations for the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death, warning that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) “vultures” are already circling as the October 15 commemoration approaches.
“We are heading for 15th October and already vultures…” Ruth said, without publicly identifying who or what she was referring to.
Her remarks come as the ODM prepares a month-long programme to commemorate the life and legacy of its late leader, placing the party’s future and Raila’s political legacy back in the spotlight.
The brief but pointed statement has added an unexpected political layer to preparations that ODM has presented primarily as a period of remembrance.
ODM plans month-long tribute
ODM has designated October as a month of activities in honour of Raila, with events planned in different parts of the country ahead of the October 15 anniversary.
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The programme includes nationwide commemorative activities and public gatherings intended to celebrate Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s political history and democratic struggle.
The anniversary itself is expected to attract particular attention because it will mark one year since the death of the former prime minister, whose political influence extended across several decades.
For ODM, the commemorations also offer an opportunity to demonstrate the continuing strength of the movement associated with its late leader.
Raila was the party’s most recognisable figure and remained central to its national political identity throughout its rise as one of Kenya’s major opposition formations.
‘Vultures’ remark sparks questions
It is Ruth’s reference to “vultures”, however, that has introduced a more pointed political dimension to the anniversary preparations.
She did not elaborate in the statement provided, nor did she name any politician, faction or organisation as the subject of the remark.
That distinction is significant. While the language suggests concern about developments around Raila’s political legacy, the statement alone does not establish who Ruth had in mind.
The comment is nevertheless likely to generate debate within political circles, particularly as ODM navigates its first anniversary without the leader who for years served as the party’s dominant political figure.
Raila’s death left ODM confronting questions about its direction, leadership and political identity in the post-Raila era.
Raila legacy takes centre stage
The October commemorations come at a sensitive moment for a party whose history is closely intertwined with Raila’s political career.
From opposition politics to constitutional reform campaigns and successive presidential contests, Raila became one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
His death therefore created not only a personal loss for his family and supporters but also a significant transition for the political movement he helped build.
ODM’s month-long programme is expected to keep that legacy at the centre of public discussion throughout October.
The party has urged supporters to participate in activities celebrating Raila’s contribution and to reflect on the ideals associated with his political career.
October 15 looms large
The central date remains October 15, when family, ODM officials, supporters and other Kenyans are expected to commemorate the anniversary of Raila’s death.
Ruth’s warning adds a fresh element to the build-up.
Without assigning a specific meaning to her “vultures” reference, the remark underscores the political sensitivity surrounding Raila’s legacy as ODM enters a new chapter.
For a party preparing to mark the first anniversary of its most prominent figure’s death, October will consequently be about more than remembrance.
It will also provide a public test of how ODM presents Raila’s legacy, mobilises his supporters and defines its identity in the political era that follows him.
And as October 15 draws closer, Ruth Odinga’s cryptic warning is likely to keep the political conversation around ODM firmly alive.
