Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has revisited the political fallout that followed the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in the mid-1990s, drawing parallels between the Ford party wrangles of that era and what he describes as emerging tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2026 political cycle.
In a lengthy post shared on X, the outspoken lawyer reflected on the leadership contest that followed Jaramogi’s death, claiming that the battle between Kijana Wamalwa, James Orengo and Raila Odinga reshaped opposition politics in Kenya.
According to Ahmednasir, Raila eventually walked away and built what he termed a “political behemoth from scratch,” fundamentally altering the country’s political landscape.
The Senior Counsel argued that in Kenya’s political environment, personalities matter more than party labels. He further suggested that historical political contests between communities have influenced party leadership dynamics, referencing the 1990s Ford split as a defining moment in shaping political cohabitation between key blocs.
Ahmednasir also weighed in on the current ODM conversation, suggesting that leadership direction within the party should reflect what he described as the “natural order” of political alliances. His remarks have since sparked debate online, with supporters and critics engaging over his interpretation of Kenya’s political history and future trajectory.
ODM has yet to officially respond to the comments.
However, the renewed discussion comes at a time when internal party positioning and succession conversations are increasingly shaping the 2026 political outlook.
As Kenya’s political season gradually builds momentum, analysts say historical narratives often resurface to frame contemporary battles — a pattern Ahmednasir’s latest remarks
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