Kenya Moja loses momentum amid political reorganisation post-Raila

Kenya Moja Movement Falters as ODM Reorganises After Raila’s Death
The once-energetic Kenya Moja movement, which had captured national attention with its reformist zeal, is rapidly losing momentum following the death of former opposition leader Raila Odinga. Formed by a group of outspoken legislators who sought to champion accountability and inclusivity, the movement now finds itself fragmented and directionless. Key figures such as ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi have turned their focus toward internal party struggles within ODM, leaving Kenya Moja’s vision adrift. What once appeared as a new political force balancing between government and opposition has now been reduced to sporadic appearances and individual ambitions.
At its peak, Kenya Moja symbolised youthful defiance against entrenched political systems. It drew together leaders from across the divide — including Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba, Kitutu Chache South’s Anthony Kibagendi, and others — who shared a common goal of holding the government accountable. The movement resonated with Kenyans frustrated by high taxes and economic hardship, portraying itself as a watchdog in the post–handshake political era. However, Raila’s passing in 2025 upended the movement’s cohesion. Sifuna became preoccupied with stabilising ODM amid internal divisions over its cooperation with the government, while other members such as Kibagendi and Wa Muchomba began to forge regional alliances ahead of 2027. Public gatherings and policy pronouncements by Kenya Moja have dwindled, and infighting among members has eroded the unity that once set them apart.
Analysts now warn that Kenya Moja risks becoming yet another short-lived reformist coalition, following in the footsteps of movements like Okoa Kenya and Linda Katiba. The internal rift between Babu Owino and Caleb Amisi — once close allies — underscores how personal rivalry and political realignment can quickly derail collective action. Still, observers note that the group’s core ideals of transparency and youth empowerment remain relevant in Kenya’s evolving democracy. Whether these ideals can outlive the shifting loyalties of their founders will determine Kenya Moja’s fate. For now, the movement stands as a cautionary tale of how political idealism in Kenya often succumbs to the realities of survival in a fast-changing post-Raila landscape.