Oburu Oginga Appointed Acting ODM Leader
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has named Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the Acting Party Leader, following a unanimous decision from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
In a statement released on Thursday morning, ODM shared that the NEC convened and fully supported Oburu’s appointment.
This new role takes effect right away.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator of Siaya County Dr. Oburu Oginga as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately,” the party stated in a concise announcement on its official channels.
Oburu, who is the elder brother of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, steps into this position at a pivotal moment for the party as it navigates a transition following Raila’s passing on Wednesday.
His appointment is seen as a way to maintain leadership continuity as the party looks to define its future direction.
The NEC’s decision represents the first significant internal shift for ODM since the loss of its founding leader, whose political journey spanned over four decades.
ODM has been a key player in Kenya’s political landscape, significantly influencing the country’s opposition politics for nearly twenty years.
This decision comes just as the former PM’s body is expected to arrive in the country at any moment now.
The remains of the father of devolution are currently on a Kenya Airways (KQ) flight and are set to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 am.
A high-level delegation is bringing the body back to India, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. This group includes Senator Oketch, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, among others. Raila’s youngest daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga, is also representing the family.
Raila passed away from cardiac arrest while receiving treatment at an Ayurvedic facility, and President Ruto has announced that he will receive a state funeral with full honors.
A national funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, has already started meeting to manage the arrangements.
According to a detailed funeral program obtained by The Star, there will be four planning sessions for Raila’s burial: one at his home in Karen, another at his Opoda home, a third in Kisumu City, and a final meeting in Nairobi.
The ODM party, represented by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, urged everyone to remain calm and united as they grieved for their leader.
Oburu Oginga Appointed Acting ODM Leader
