The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially appointed Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as the Acting Party Leader following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The decision, made by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) during an emergency meeting on Thursday morning, takes effect immediately.
In a statement shared on its official platforms, the party confirmed that the NEC had unanimously endorsed Oburu’s appointment, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the movement’s leadership.
“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 statement read in part.
Dr. Oburu Oginga, who is the elder brother of the late Raila Odinga, steps into the role at a crucial moment for the party as it begins a transition process following the passing of its founding leader. His appointment is seen as both symbolic and stabilizing, ensuring continuity in leadership as ODM prepares to chart its next course.
The NEC’s decision marks the first major internal move by ODM since the loss of Raila Odinga, whose political career spanned more than four decades. Raila’s leadership transformed ODM into one of the most influential political parties in Kenya’s history, shaping opposition politics and championing democratic reforms across the nation.
According to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the party remains united during this period of mourning and transition.
“While we process this adverse news and await further updates, I urge all party members to observe the tenets of unity and rally together as we reflect on the life and times of our leader, a man who has been a mentor and father to all, hence the moniker, ‘Baba,’” Sifuna stated.
The death of Raila Odinga has plunged the nation into mourning. His body, which was flown from India where he died while undergoing treatment at an Ayurvedic facility, has arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aboard a Kenya Airways plane re-designated as RAO001. The aircraft, carrying the remains of the veteran opposition leader, was scheduled to land in Nairobi at 10:00 a.m.
A high-level government delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi accompanied the body from India. Others in the delegation include Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wanday, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah. Raila’s youngest daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga, represented the family on the journey back home.
President William Ruto has announced that Raila will be accorded a state funeral with full honors in recognition of his immense contribution to the country’s political evolution and democratic space. A national funeral committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Oginga has already started preparations for the burial.
The detailed funeral programme outlines four key sittings to coordinate the ceremonies, one at Raila’s Karen home, another at his Opoda home in Bondo, a third in Kisumu City and a final Nairobi-based planning committee. According to family sources, Raila will be laid to rest in Bondo, Siaya County, in accordance with his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
For many Kenyans, Raila’s passing marks the end of an era. His relentless pursuit of justice, equality, and governance reforms earned him admiration both locally and internationally. Often referred to as “the father of devolution,” Raila’s influence stretched far beyond politics, he was a unifying figure whose charisma and resilience inspired generations.
Dr. Oburu Oginga’s elevation to acting party leader is viewed as a gesture of continuity, preserving the Odinga family’s long-standing association with Kenya’s reform agenda. Though his appointment is temporary, it signals ODM’s commitment to maintaining stability and order as it plans for a substantive leadership election in the coming weeks.
As the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic statesmen, the Orange Democratic Movement faces the task of carrying forward Raila’s legacy. His ideals of democracy, fairness and inclusivity remain at the heart of ODM’s mission. Under Oburu’s stewardship, the party is expected to focus on unity and reflection as it navigates this delicate transition period.
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