Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has criticized the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership, warning that a lack of firm and confident decision-making is undermining the party’s cohesion and public trust.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Monday, Alai argued that the absence of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, popularly known as Baba, has exposed weaknesses in the party’s structure and decision-making processes.
“Suddenly we didn’t prepare for Baba’s absence… Baba built an institution that could run itself, but these people have not realized that,” Alai said, emphasizing that Odinga’s hands-on approach from making early morning calls to coordinating MPs and MCAs ensured the party’s smooth operation.
Alai added that current leaders rely too heavily on intermediaries, which delays communication and creates confusion.
“Now we have ODM, which I think they only listen to themselves. Sometimes we try to tell them, ‘Can we do this?’ They don’t, and when they don’t do that, it interferes with the confidence that people have,” he noted.
Alai explained that effective leadership inspires confidence and ensures members understand who to follow.
He also highlighted the importance of clear, direct communication with party officials and grassroots members, citing how Odinga personally engaged with branch leaders and elected officials to convey decisions and guidance.
The MCA stressed that the current leadership’s reluctance to make difficult decisions is allowing internal issues to fester.
“This problem will persist… until very firm, hurting decisions are made… live with the painful sometimes, but don’t let the cancer grow,” he warned.
He also called for urgent action to appoint an inspiring party secretary general and to streamline communication channels, arguing that such measures are critical to restoring confidence among members and the public.
Alai concluded that ODM’s future depends on decisive, transparent leadership.
“When you lead ODM, listen to people, especially when they disagree with you. This is what will give the party confidence and inspire its members,” he said, warning that failure to act risks eroding both the party’s structure and its popularity ahead of upcoming political contests.
