Kenya Moja loses momentum amid political reorganisation post-Raila

Kenya Moja Loses Momentum Amid Political Shake-Up Post-Raila Odinga
A once-promising reform movement, Kenya Moja, is showing signs of unraveling as Kenya’s political landscape shifts dramatically following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga. The movement initially gained traction by uniting outspoken legislators from across political divides under a banner of accountability, inclusivity and economic reform.
Kenya Moja’s formation brought together notable members such as Edwin Sifuna (Senator & ODM SG), Babu Owino (MP, Embakasi East), Caleb Amisi, Anthony Kibagendi and Gathoni Wa Muchomba (MPs) who sought to build a third-force alternative to both the ruling coalition and traditional opposition blocs.
At its peak, the movement captured public imagination by offering what seemed like a new way of doing politics—issue-based, youth-oriented and less bound by tribal calculations.
However, cracks soon emerged. The death of Raila has triggered a broader political re-alignment in which many Kenya Moja leaders are being pulled back into established party structures or redirected by regional allegiances. For instance, Sifuna has had to refocus on stabilising his party, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and neglecting the movement. Meanwhile, Amisi and Kibagendi are gravitating toward regional alliances rather than sticking with a national reform agenda.
Internal infighting is also evident—with public exchanges between founding members undermining the unity message. As one analyst noted, Kenya Moja thus risks remaining a footnote in Kenya’s long list of short-lived reform movements.
The future of Kenya Moja now hinges on whether it can reconsolidate and transform into a structured political force rather than a loose assembly of reformist figures. Observers say the movement must return to its founding principles—accountability, inclusivity and meaningful reform—and forge a clear identity, develop grassroots organisation and choose strategic alliances carefully. Without this recommitment, Kenya Moja may fade as the political contest for 2027 intensifies and larger parties reassert dominance.
Would you like me to pull out quotes from Kenya Moja members about what’s next for the movement, or map how this shift affects regional politics heading into 2027?