Oburu takes helm as Osotsi ousted in ODM leadership overhaul

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has been confirmed as the new ODM party leader after delegates formally approved changes to the party’s top leadership during a Special Delegates Convention held in Nairobi, marking a major shift in the party’s structure.

The ratification took place on Friday at Jamhuri Grounds, where party officials presided over the adoption of resolutions affecting positions within the National Executive Committee. The meeting brought together delegates to endorse recommendations that had earlier been made by the party’s National Governing Council.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said the gathering had been properly convened to consider and approve key decisions affecting the party.

“The party's special delegates convention SDC, being held at Nairobi today, Friday, March 27, 2026 to deliberate and make resolutions on the matters set out on the agenda hereby adopted,” he said.

He explained that the process followed a structured path guided by the party constitution, including a prior meeting of the National Governing Council held in Mombasa in November 2025.

“Whereas the ODM party, pursuant to the provisions of article 50 of the party's constitution convened a session of the National Governing Council at Mombasa on November 13, 2025 to deliberate and make resolutions,” he said.

According to Junet, the National Executive Committee had presented recommendations on appointments, which were then adopted by the council before being forwarded to delegates for final approval.

“The National Executive Committee, in its report to the National Governing Council, made recommendations in respect of appointment to various positions within the National Executive Committee,” he added.

He noted that the role of the convention was to ratify those decisions in line with party rules.

“The director of elections and campaigns hereby present for ratification the resolutions of the National Governing Council on appointment to various offices,” he said.

Junet emphasised that delegates had the final say in approving each name, with a formal process of proposing and seconding candidates before a decision was made.

“I hereby invite the special delegates convention to ratify the appointments, allow me to call for a proposer and a seconder for every name, it’s the delegate that will decide on every name,” he said.

Among the key outcomes was the confirmation of Oburu Oginga as party leader. The convention also approved Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Kisii Governor Simba Arati as deputy party leaders.

At the same time, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was removed from the leadership structure, marking a notable change within the party ranks.

Junet indicated that the appointments take effect from November 2025, when the National Governing Council meeting was held.

He maintained that the entire exercise was anchored in the party constitution, noting that different organs had acted within their mandate.

“The National Executive Committee exercised the powers of the National Delegates Convention as set out in the party’s constitution,” he said.

The convention proceeded by reviewing each nomination individually before subjecting it to approval by delegates.

“I am starting with the party leader, I want a proposer and seconder, we are going to put the question on every name,” Junet said.

The Special Delegates Convention serves as a key platform for the party to align its leadership and structures as it prepares for future political activities.

Junet said the process showed the party’s commitment to internal democracy and adherence to its rules, with delegates playing a central role in shaping leadership.

He added that involving members in the decision-making process strengthens accountability and reinforces confidence within the party.

The ratification of the new leadership, he said, is expected to enhance unity and position ODM to face the challenges ahead.