Political and policy analyst Odoyo Owidi on Tuesday urged Kenya’s emerging political leaders to embrace unity and discipline, warning that divisive figures in politics could derail national progress.
Speaking on Radio Generation, he compared disruptive leaders to rogue generals in an army and called for a focused, united leadership to steer Kenya’s next phase after years of political turbulence.
“If there is a brigade that looks like it can divide people by strong words or by its way of doing things,” he said, “lock them out so that the new movement can walk united toward its goal.”
He argued that past divisions within major political movements had slowed down Kenya’s reform trajectory, with some leaders prioritising personal ambition over shared vision.
Owidi reflected on previous political seasons, particularly within opposition movements, where he said strong internal competition and ego clashes weakened otherwise solid alliances.
“Some people split the movement much earlier,” he said, implying that disunity had historically paved the way for political setbacks.
Turning to the governors and regional leaders, Owidi addressed claims that some felt overshadowed by more dominant national figures.
He clarified that being overshadowed by dominant political leaders was not necessarily about cabinet positions or power distribution, but about leadership perception and initiative.
He further noted that genuine political influence comes from persistence and personal growth rather than hand-outs from established figures.
Owidi revisited moments when young, energetic politicians, such as those active during ODM’s early years and the Kasarani convention, struggled to gain ground within established party structures.
“We had that group,” he said, “but they were scuttled, and in that process, the person who remained standing endured over time. He remains on.”
His comments come at a time when Kenya is witnessing new political re-alignments and conversations about succession, governance style, and generational change, especially now that the late, ODM leader is dead.
Owidi’s views echo a broader sentiment among citizens yearning for issue-based leadership rather than personality-driven rivalries.
His metaphor of “throwing off the divisive general” reflects a growing belief that national unity depends on firm, value-driven decision-making within political parties and institutions.
As the country charts its next phase of political transition, Owidi’s call for cohesion stands as a reminder that Kenya’s strength lies not in loud rhetoric but in focused, united leadership that works for all citizens.
