In the aftermath of the violent 2007 general election, Kenya’s fragile political system was stabilized through a Grand Coalition Government formed in 2008. This power-sharing agreement between President Mwai Kibaki’s PNU and Raila Odinga’s ODM not only ended widespread bloodshed but also redrew the political map of Western Kenya. The ODM Grand Coalition in Western Kenya became a defining moment, ushering in new leaders and amplifying the region’s influence in national politics.
2007 Elections: ODM’s Clean Sweep in the West
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Raila Odinga, gained overwhelming support in Kakamega and Vihiga counties during the 2007 elections. Riding on a wave of reformist energy and anti-Kibaki sentiment, ODM secured 10 out of 13 parliamentary seats in the region.
Key ODM victories included:
- Musalia Mudavadi reclaiming his Sabatia seat.
- Wycliffe Oparanya winning in Butere.
- Kenneth Marende winning in Emuhaya before being elected Speaker.
- Benjamin Washiali, David Were, and others claiming wins across Kakamega.
Meanwhile, New FORD-Kenya retained a few pro-Kibaki loyalists, like Soita Shitanda and Boni Khalwale, but ODM’s grip was overwhelming.
Formation of the Grand Coalition Government
After weeks of post-election violence and international mediation led by Kofi Annan, Kibaki and Odinga signed the National Accord and Reconciliation Act in February 2008. This led to the creation of a Grand Coalition, with Raila Odinga becoming Prime Minister and ODM gaining access to key government positions.
For Western Kenya, this was a breakthrough:
- Musalia Mudavadi was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government.
- Wycliffe Oparanya became Minister for Planning, National Development, and Vision 2030.
- Kenneth Marende was elected Speaker of the National Assembly, enhancing the region’s institutional visibility.
This represented unprecedented national representation for the Luhya community.
Institutional Strength and Regional Pride
For the first time, Western Kenya leaders were not just occupying high offices—they were influencing national policy:
- Oparanya helped lead economic and development planning.
- Mudavadi, overseeing local governments, laid groundwork for future devolution.
- Marende, as Speaker, preserved neutrality during a volatile political period.
These appointments enhanced ODM’s credibility in the region and reaffirmed that political loyalty could yield results.
Challenges and Emerging Divides
Despite initial success, tensions soon emerged within the coalition:
- Rivalries between Mudavadi and Raila’s inner circle started surfacing.
- Local leaders like Khalwale and Jirongo, though outside ODM, began to question the coalition’s ability to deliver reforms and development.
These internal contradictions foreshadowed future fractures in Luhya unity, as various factions positioned themselves for 2013.
Nonetheless, ODM remained dominant throughout the coalition period, with local loyalty firmly behind Raila and his reform agenda.
Legacy of the Grand Coalition in Western Kenya
The ODM Grand Coalition in Western Kenya left a lasting legacy:
- Elevated the region’s bargaining power in national politics.
- Produced nationally recognized leaders from counties long seen as peripheral.
- Accelerated the path to devolution, with Kakamega and Vihiga later becoming strongholds for county-based governance.
The coalition proved that shared governance, while fragile, could deliver both peace and power realignment in an ethnically polarized state.
Conclusion
The ODM Grand Coalition in Western Kenya marked a golden era of political inclusion and regional empowerment. Although birthed from a national tragedy, the coalition gave Western Kenya its most significant seat at the table since independence. Leaders like Mudavadi, Oparanya, and Marende became household names—not just regionally, but nationally.
It was a period of political prominence that would shape the region’s strategies and expectations for years to come.
