Speaking on a local radio station on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Ogolla said such arguments were misleading and dishonest.

According to Ogolla, Raila had a clear succession plan for his party. At the time of his death, ODM was part of the broad-based government, and this, he said, should remain the party’s official stance.

“Raila left ODM in government. Those who claim otherwise are not being honest,” Ogolla said.

He noted that Raila had actively participated in the broad-based government, striking a handshake with President William Ruto and agreeing on a ten-point governance agenda. 

This framework, Ogolla said, was a guide for ODM’s role in government even after Raila’s passing.

Ogolla added that there was no public evidence of a fallout between Raila and the President. He argued that if Raila had been alive, the government would have continued smoothly into 2027. 

Beyond that, pre-election agreements would likely have been negotiated to maintain collaboration between ODM and UDA.

He also highlighted the performance of ODM experts serving in President Ruto’s cabinet, including John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Opiyo Wandayi. 

According to Ogolla, these officials have not reported any mistreatment by UDA, which supports the idea that ODM’s involvement in government remains legitimate.

“What would justify leaving or dissolving the broad-based government is if ODM members in government complained of mistreatment. Since no such complaints exist, there is no reason to rethink the partnership,” he explained.

The analyst’s remarks come shortly after ODM’s Central Management Committee (CMC) approved pre-election coalition talks with UDA. 

Ogolla stressed that these talks align with Raila’s vision for the party and the country’s political stability.