ODM Acting party leader Oburu Odinga/HANDOUT
It will be his first time chairing the powerful organ
since his elevation to the top position following the death of his brother and
party leader, Raila Odinga.
The meeting comes at a time when internal divisions threaten
to shake ODM’s unity—a major test for Oburu as he takes the reins of a party
long anchored by Raila’s formidable influence.
“I will not let you down,” he assured delegates and
leaders from Nyanza during a meeting at his Bondo residence on Friday.
Today’s meeting is expected to address mounting tensions,
leadership confusion, and growing factionalism within the once-united
opposition movement.
In Raila’s absence, senior figures have differed sharply
over the party’s direction, particularly regarding future engagement with
President William Ruto’s UDA after the broad-based political arrangement
expires in 2027.
The divisions have triggered pressure on ODM to act against
members perceived as rebels. However, the Star has established there are behind-the-scenes efforts to tread carefully in handling the matter.
“Don’t expect any radical move. If you listened to Ruth [Raila’s sister] during the burial, she relayed Raila’s last message—the need
for a united party. We cannot afford early fights,” a source at Orange House
told the Star.
On Friday, Oburu secured the endorsement of ODM elected
leaders and delegates from Nyanza, winning their backing as he seeks to
build consensus and acceptance to lead the outfit.
The leaders included governors, senators, MPs, women representatives, MCAs and delegates. They made the declaration during a meeting at Oburu’s home in Bondo.
The gathering followed ODM’s Central Management
Committee decision to appoint him acting party leader after Raila’s death in
India last week.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang' praised Oburu as a seasoned
leader with the wisdom and temperament to steer the party forward.
“I have confidence that Oburu has the maturity, wisdom, and
experience to lead all ODM members—whether from the Coast, Nyanza, Western or Nairobi,” he said.
Kajwang’ said ODM and the Luo community face a major unity
test following Raila’s demise but expressed faith that Oburu would steady the
ship.
“May God hold your hand as you lead not just this community
but the entire nation in your new role as our party leader,” he added,
recalling Raila’s message of political direction during the burial of the late
legislator Phoebe Asiyo.
Endorsing Oburu’s elevation, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch
urged party members to focus on unity and service to the people.
“There are many things Baba shielded us from. Going forward,
it cannot be politics as usual. If we focus on positions instead of people’s
problems, we will disappear. Let’s work hard and stay united,” he said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo also threw his weight behind
Oburu but cautioned against external interference.
“Oburu is a truthful man. I love people who speak the truth and he always preaches ODM values,” Orengo said.
“The party is the foundation
of democracy. Without strong parties, we cannot have proper democracy. Many
parties have vanished along the way—let us remember where Raila brought us
from. Oburu, I give you my support and look forward to working with you.”
Raila’s younger sister, Ruth, described Oburu as
Raila’s confidant and urged members to entrust him with the leadership mantle.
“I am pleading with you—how many agree that we endorse
Oburu Oginga as the party leader?” she asked, drawing loud cheers from the
delegates.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma said Raila had already
charted the political direction for ODM and the Luo community before his death.
“I want Oburu to call a meeting without the media so
that we can declare Baba’s political will,” Kaluma said.
He urged ODM supporters to rally behind party candidates in
the upcoming Kasipul and Ugunja by-elections in honour of Raila’s legacy.
