The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the new Party Leader, succeeding the late Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Thursday, November 13, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed confirmed the development, noting that the decision was made during the ODM National Governing Council (NGC) meeting held in Mombasa.
"I congratulate Sen. Dr. Oburu Odinga on his assumption of the ODM Party Leader role. The ODM National Governing Council (NGC) sitting in Mombasa has this evening approved and affirmed Dr. Oburu as the new Party Leader, to take over from the departed dear leader, Raila Odinga," he said.
In a separate statement, the ODM Party announced a series of additional leadership appointments approved during the same meeting.
"Also approved are Deputy Party Leaders Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati and Godfrey Osotsi. Others are Vice Chairpersons Ariko Namoit and Otiende Amollo. Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu had their appointments as Deputy Organizing Secretary and Secretary of Political Affairs respectively.
Read More
"They assume office subject to ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC)," the statement read.
Oburu was first appointment the party's Acting Leader on Thursday, October 16, following the confirmation of Raila's passing.
In a statement, the party confirmed that the decision was made during an NEC meeting, 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 at the time.
Meanwhile, this comes barely a day after Ruth hinted at the possibility of a presidential bid in 2027 under the ODM party.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 12, Ruth said she possesses the experience and vision required to seek the country’s top office.
"Nothing stops me from contesting for the presidency. I have all it takes. But first, I want to see a vibrant ODM that is a safe space for everyone," she said.
Ruth, who is the sister of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, also addressed the question of Luo leadership following his passing.
She maintained that Raila had already put in place measures to ensure the community’s political and cultural continuity.
"Raila knew his time was near, and he worked to organize the community’s leadership. The Luo Nation is not lost. We must do what is in the people’s best interest," she added.
Ruth also dismissed claims that ODM had been left 'orphaned' after Raila’s death, terming such talk a betrayal of the party’s legacy and resilience.
She criticized remarks by Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi and his counterparts, Jared Okello and Mark Nyamita of Nyando and Uriri respectively, who had suggested that the Luo community and ODM members should submit to President William Ruto’s government.
"I have never seen a Luo who proudly calls himself an orphan and expects sympathy. Even in the days of Gor Mahia and Lwanda Magere, we were known to be fighters. When a leader goes down, another must rise. We don’t recoil into an orphan’s corner," she further said.
Ruth urged ODM supporters to reject self-pity and instead focus on revitalizing the movement that Raila built, noting that ODM must remain a strong national voice of accountability and reform.
"Yes, we are orphaned. But we must move forward. Poverty in your brother’s home cannot make you lose sleep, and our situation will not make President Ruto lose sleep. We must come out with a strong voice," she stated.
