The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the new party leader, following the death of his brother, Raila Odinga.
In a statement issued on Monday, 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.
ODM’s leadership structure, which includes the National Executive Council (NEC) and the Central Management Committee, is expected to meet again to formalize the transition process.
The endorsement signals unity within ODM’s top ranks and sets the stage for a broader conversation on succession and the party’s political strategy ahead of future national elections.
Oburu’s appointment, if ratified by the National Delegates Convention, will position him at the helm of a party that has shaped Kenya’s opposition politics for more than two decades.
This comes just a few days after he 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.
“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 said in a brief statement posted on its official platforms.
The NEC’s decision marked the first major internal move by ODM since the loss of its founding leader, whose political career spanned more than four decades.
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.
