Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga on Monday, October 27, held his first meeting as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) acting party leader.
In a statement, the party said Oburu visited the ODM headquarters at Chungwa House in Nairobi to familiarize himself with his new role and office.
During the visit, Oburu met with key party officials, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, and Deputy Organizing Secretary Ruth Odinga.
"Acting Party Leader Oburu Oginga visited Chungwa House this morning.
"He had a feel of his new office and held a brief meeting with the Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen and Deputy Organizing Secretary Ruth Odinga," the party said.
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ODM settled on Oburu to lead the party in acting capacity following the sudden death of 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.
"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.
Elsewhere, earlier Monday, lawyer Nelson Havi urged ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to move decisively and take charge of the party’s leadership.
In an interview on Monday, October 27, Havi argued that hesitation could lead to the party’s disintegration and division.
"Edwin Sifuna is my very good friend. I have some advice for him; accession to high office does not require hesitation. It doesn't require hesitation. When the king is killed, even in combat or in illness, the heir apparent must prepare for coronation quickly," he said.
Havi insisted that swift leadership action was necessary to prevent ODM from losing its national character and influence.
"So yes, he must not hesitate in taking over the leadership of ODM. In fact, by now, the ODM should have conglomerated at Chungwa House, taking over the leadership of this party.
"Otherwise, the leadership of the party will continue disintegrating. It will continue the division and fragmentation. It will end up being a party domiciled in Siaya County alone," he added.
