Raila’s last message to His Sister
Ruth Odinga, the younger sister of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has shared the poignant details of their last conversation before his passing.
She revealed that they discussed the future of his political party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Ruth emphasized the importance of unity within the party, encouraging its members to carry forward the values and strength that her late brother, Raila, stood for.
During a memorial gathering, she reflected on that final chat with the opposition leader, highlighting Raila’s firm belief that the party needed to stay strong and united.
“What you said about our party, that it must remain; you told me that at 8 am the day before you passed on in the morning, that our party must be united, it must be strong. ODM must unite, we cannot have one ODM here, another one there being led by some other people and another one being led by a few people who think they own the party,” she said.
“Some of you who want to take the party don’t even know how we got it. We are going to go to any negotiation table with a strong, united, one ODM.”
Ruth cautioned against any internal rifts, emphasizing that splinter groups could undermine the movement that Raila dedicated his life to.
She stressed the importance of the ODM family presenting a united front in future political endeavors.
This comes as discussions within ODM heat up regarding succession and the party’s leadership following Raila’s passing.
The Orange party has appointed the Siaya Senator as the Acting Party Leader, a decision reached unanimously by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
In a statement released on Thursday morning, ODM confirmed that the NEC convened and collectively endorsed Oburu’s new role.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of Senator of Siaya County Oburu Oginga, as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately,” the party said in a brief statement posted on its official platforms on Thursday.
Oburu is stepping into a pivotal role for the party at a crucial moment, especially as it embarks on a transition following Raila’s passing on Wednesday.
His appointment is seen as a way to maintain leadership continuity while the party looks ahead to its future direction.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi emphasized that ODM will continue to be part of the broader government, even in the wake of their former leader, Raila’s death.
While speaking in Bondo, Siaya County, Wandayi—who has been a close ally of Raila for many years—expressed that the party stands firmly with President William Ruto.
“Baba Raila Amolo Odinga has left us in government led by President William Ruto, and that is where we are going to stay till the end,” he declared.
Raila’s last message to His Sister
