ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga during the party meeting in Nairobi on October 27, 2025. /LEAH MUKANGAI
Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga has this week dominated the political spotlight as he officially took the reins of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), marking a new chapter for Kenya’s oldest opposition party.
The seasoned economist and veteran politician began his tenure as the new ODM party leader with characteristic calm and authority, determined to steady the ship left by his late brother, Raila Odinga.
On Monday morning, Dr. Oburu arrived at the party’s headquarters, Chungwa House in Lavington, to meet senior officials including Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Executive Director Oduor Ongwen, and Deputy Organising Secretary Ruth Odinga.
The brief meeting was followed by a session at a nearby hotel where he chaired the Central Management Committee (CMC) to deliberate on the upcoming ODM@20 celebrations scheduled for Mombasa.
It was during this meeting that the CMC formally endorsed Dr. Oburu as acting party leader, pledging full support as he takes charge during what many describe as a defining moment for ODM.
“This being the first meeting of the committee since the passing of the party leader, the top party organ endorses Hon. Dr. Oburu Oginga as the new party leader and urges members to accord him all the necessary support and cooperation to enable him to guide the party through this difficult time,” said Sifuna after the four-hour session.
ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga during the party's first post-Raila Odinga press briefing in Nairobi on October 27, 2025. /HANDOUT
ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga chairs the party's first post-Raila Odinga meeting in Nairobi on October 27, 2025. /HANDOUTHe assured supporters that ODM remains committed to its ideals and will continue engaging constructively with the government until 2027.
ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga in a meeting with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. /HANDOUT“Babu Owino symbolises the vibrant energy and determination of our youth. He has a promising future, and we are together,” Dr. Oburu said after the meeting.
This week also saw Oburu host close allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his home in Bondo, in what was seen as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and national unity.
The delegation, led by Senators John Methu (Nyandarua) and Karungo wa Thang’wa (Kiambu), presented him with three white sheep—a traditional sign of peace and friendship.
According to the leaders, the visit was meant to bridge political divides between the Mt Kenya and Nyanza regions and promote dialogue between leaders across party lines.
ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga with a delegation led by Senators John Methu (Nyandarua) and Karungo wa Thang’wa (Kiambu), who presented him with three white sheep—a traditional sign of peace and friendship in Bondo this week./HANDOUT
ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga with Senators John Methu (Nyandarua) and Karungo wa Thang’wa (Kiambu) in Bondo this week./HANDOUT“Politics should not divide us. We may differ in ideology, but we are one nation,” he said.
The visit drew attention across the political spectrum, coming just days after Oburu officially took over as ODM’s acting party leader. Observers described it as an early test of his ability to build alliances beyond traditional party boundaries—a task that could define his leadership style in the post-Raila era.
In another bold move this week, Dr. Oburu hinted at an open-door approach to national politics, saying ODM remains a “people’s movement” and that even President Ruto would be welcome to join—but on the party’s terms.
He clarified, however, that any aspirant seeking the ODM ticket, including Ruto, would have to go through competitive nominations.
“We want ODM to be strong so that those seeking us will have to adhere to our terms. If he wishes to join, he should be ready to face competition like any other candidate,” Dr. Oburu said during a media briefing.
Party insiders describe Oburu as a steadying hand whose deep ties to ODM’s history make him a natural choice to guide it through this transition.
Legislators such as Makadara MP George Aladwa and Nyando MP Jared Okello have voiced confidence in his leadership, citing his experience, wisdom, and close working relationship with Raila.
“Dr. Oburu Oginga is a highly knowledgeable and articulate youth leader. As a life member of ODM, I am confident in his ability to lead the party effectively. Though he must get a good portrait and surround himself with competent advisers. However, with esteemed legal professionals such as Otiende Amollo and Orengo Nyatieng alongside him, I believe that we are well-positioned for success. I would like to reassure the supporters of ODM and Raila Odinga that our party is in capable hands,” an ODM supporter Wang Chieng’ wrote on Facebook.
Dr. Oburu, 82, has had a long and distinguished career in public service. He joined Parliament in 1994 as Bondo MP, succeeding his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and later served as Assistant Minister for Finance (2008–2013). He was also a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) before being elected Siaya Senator in 2022.
Educated in Moscow, Dr. Oburu holds a PhD in Economics and has served as an economist at the Ministry of Planning and National Development. His career spans academia, administration, and active politics—a blend that many say uniquely positions him to guide ODM through this delicate phase.
As tributes and endorsements continue to pour in from within and outside the party, the elder Odinga remains focused on reconciliation, discipline, and continuity.
Although Raila was his younger brother, Dr. Oburu termed him as his leader from a young age, as they two grew up like twins, as the age difference between them was only 13 months.
In his own words, he once quipped, “I am also a Gen Z—that’s why they call me a youth leader.” And this week, Kenya’s political stage is watching as the self-proclaimed “youth leader” takes charge of a party that has defined his family’s legacy and much of the country’s democratic journey.
