The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Governing Council (NGC) has approved the appointment of Senator Oburu Oginga as the new Party Leader.
In a statement released by the party on Thursday, the NGC also approved Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as Deputy Party Leaders.
“The National Governing Council (NGC) has approved the appointment of Senator Oburu Oginga as the Party Leader of the party. Also approved are Deputy Party Leaders Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati and Godfrey Osotsi,” the party said.
The council further confirmed Dr. Ariko Namoit and Rarieda MP Dr. Otiende Amollo as Vice Chairpersons of the party. Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga was appointed Deputy Organising Secretary, while Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu was named Secretary of Political Affairs.
According to ODM, the new leaders will assume office once their appointments are ratified by the National Delegates Convention (NDC).
“They assume office subject to ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC). Congratulations to the new leaders.”
The appointments mark a significant reorganisation within ODM’s top leadership as the party moves to strengthen its internal structures and prepare for future political engagements, following the death of founding leader Raila Odinga.
The Orange party’s NGC met in Mombasa on Thursday, ahead of their three-day ODM@20 Celebrations, which will also be used to honour the legacy of long-serving leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The NGC approval comes barely three weeks after the ODM Central Committee announced its unanimous decision to back Oburu, calling on party members across the country to support him as he takes over the leadership.
“We endorse Hon. Dr. Oburu Oginga as the new party leader and urge the party rank and file to accord him all the necessary support and cooperation to enable him guide the party through this difficult time,” the committee said in a statement read by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
The decision by the party’s top organ comes after internal consultations on the future direction of Kenya’s largest opposition party.
Oburu was named Acting Party Leader, a day after the former Prime Minister’s death. The appointment followed a unanimous decision by the party’s NEC.
Raila Odinga died of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at an Ayurvedic facility in India.
The Central Committee further announced that, in honour of the former Prime Minister, the party would continue his legacy as a unifier and champion for justice and peace.
“In honour of his legacy as a unifier who brought together people of all shades of views and from diverse social, economic, and geographical backgrounds, ODM shall continue on the path of embracing diversity and the struggle for equality, justice, and peace at home and beyond our borders,” the statement added.
