Kenya, 24 October 2025 - The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Friday took a significant step in its leadership transition following the demise of its long-time party leader, Raila Amolo Odinga.
In a symbolic and politically charged gathering at Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga’s home, party delegates from Luo Nyanza convened to endorse him as the Acting Party Leader.
This meeting not only ratified an earlier decision by the National Executive Council (NEC), but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in ODM’s evolution after years under Raila’s charismatic leadership.
The meeting, which brought together delegates and political leaders from Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties, came just a day after the official national mourning period for Raila concluded.
This timing underscored the urgency within ODM to stabilize its internal structures and provide a sense of direction to its supporters.
Oburu, Raila’s elder brother and a veteran in Kenya’s political landscape, emerged as the consensus candidate to temporarily steer the party.
In his brief, but emphatic statement, Oburu declared, “I am ready for the task,” signaling his willingness to shoulder the immense responsibility that comes with leading one of Kenya’s most influential political movements.
The gathering at Oburu’s home was as much a political endorsement as it was a gesture of unity among ODM’s Luo Nyanza base.
Attendees included Siaya Governor James Orengo, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, and Migori Deputy Governor Mahiri Mwita, alongside a host of ODM Members of Parliament.
Their presence lent weight to the occasion and sent a clear message of solidarity and continuity within the party’s regional leadership.
Many of the leaders present praised Oburu’s readiness to take on the role, describing it as a “bold and necessary decision” to safeguard Raila’s political legacy.
From a political standpoint, Oburu’s endorsement reflects both strategic necessity and emotional continuity.
ODM, which has for nearly two decades revolved around Raila Odinga’s personality and political philosophy, faces the daunting task of redefining its identity in a post-Raila era.
As the elder Oginga, Oburu represents a bridge between the party’s founding ideals—rooted in social justice, devolution, and reform—and its uncertain future.
His temporary stewardship may therefore be viewed as a stabilising measure, ensuring the party does not fragment in the vacuum left by Raila’s passing.
The delegates’ decision also signals the centrality of Luo Nyanza in ODM’s political calculations.
Historically, the region has been ODM’s stronghold and the backbone of Raila’s political influence.
By gathering the regional leadership to endorse Oburu, the party sought to consolidate its home base before engaging with national stakeholders.
However, this localised endorsement may also pose challenges. ODM’s support base extends beyond Luo Nyanza to the Coast, Western, and parts of Nairobi and Rift Valley.
Maintaining national cohesion will therefore depend on how inclusively Oburu and the NEC handle the next phase of the transition.
Moreover, the meeting underscored the delicate balance between party democracy and dynastic continuity.
While Oburu’s selection was largely uncontested within the Luo Nyanza bloc, questions may arise nationally over whether ODM can reinvent itself without being seen as a family inheritance.
Critics might argue that the endorsement perpetuates the Odinga political dynasty, while supporters could counter that Oburu’s experience and seniority make him best suited to guide the party during this period of mourning and reorganisation.
Looking ahead, the ODM National Executive Council and the Central Committee are expected to formally ratify Oburu’s appointment on Monday next week, giving him the official mandate to act as party leader.
That meeting will likely define ODM’s short-term roadmap—particularly the timeline for a full party election and the strategies to maintain unity across its diverse membership.
The Siaya gathering represented both a moment of reflection and renewal for ODM.
By rallying behind Oburu Oginga, the delegates demonstrated a collective desire to preserve the ideals of Raila Odinga and to maintain organizational coherence during a period of uncertainty.
Yet, beyond symbolism, the challenge for Oburu will lie in translating that unity into a forward-looking vision—one that keeps ODM relevant, nationally cohesive, and electorally competitive in a rapidly shifting political landscape.
The coming weeks, especially the formal ratification meeting, will be crucial in determining whether this transitional leadership can effectively bridge ODM’s past and its future.
