The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced the appointment of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the Acting Party Leader following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Thursday, October 16, the party confirmed that the decision was made during a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), which unanimously agreed to have Oburu take up the leadership role in an acting capacity.
"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," ODM said in its statement.
Oburu, who is Raila's elder brother, has long been a key figure within ODM, often playing an advisory role in party affairs.
For instance, earlier in the year, Oburu criticized Siaya Governor James Orengo over his remarks on the broad-based government, urging him to leave if dissatisfied.
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Speaking in Migori on Sunday, May 4, he expressed disappointment in Orengo’s apparent dissent, noting that ODM's decision to join the broad-based government was a collective party resolution.
"I come from Siaya, and I'm pained when Governor James Orengo stands up and says he just wants to talk the truth, what truth? He's annoyed, and I don't know with whom?"
"We are in the broad-based government, not as individuals but as a result of a resolution by the ODM party. Those who are annoyed, who think that this broad-based government is not right, they're vomiting on us from within. Why don't they get out?" he posed.
While speaking in Siaya on Wednesday, April 30, Orengo expressed that he was willing to organise demonstrations or go back to jail, accusing the government of being ineffective.
"Unless we are prepared to fight for what is in the Constitution as a matter of right, Kenya is going to lose direction. I am ready to go back to jail, I am prepared to go back on the streets. This is not a country to be proud of," he said.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday in honour of Raila.
He issued the declaration in a gazette notice dated Thursday, October 16.
"It is notified for the general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, the 17th October, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga," read the notice.
The notice comes after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced a 4-day funeral programme for the late ODM leader.
According to the programme, a state funeral will take place on Friday with a national service at Nyayo Stadium, bringing together dignitaries from across the world.
"On Friday from 8am, there will be a state funeral service of the late Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium. This state funeral service is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from outside Kenya.
"It is a state event and it will be conducted in accordance with the protocols of state events to give respect to the stature of our fallen hero," he said.
After the service, Raila’s body will be taken to his Karen home for an overnight before leaving for Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, where there will be a public viewing at Moi Stadium between 9 am and 3 pm.
Raila will be buried on Sunday, October 19, and the funeral will be conducted by the Anglican Church in accordance with Raila's faith and family traditions.
