Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga during his endorsement as ODM party leader in Homa Bay on October 24, 2025/ HANDOUTSiaya Senator and the Orange Democratic Movement party leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed claims that the ODM is dominated by older politicians, saying the party continues to attract and elevate young leaders across the country.
Speaking on Sunday, Oburu said perceptions that his age reflects the party’s character are misleading.
He pointed to rising youthful leaders within ODM, noting that they are already playing key roles at county and national levels.
Oburu highlighted leaders such as Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as examples of youthful leadership shaping the party's future.
“Some people are saying that Oburu is aged and is making ODM party to seem like it is for the older people. We have young leaders in the party like Abdulswamad and Wanga; are they young or not? Also, the other young leaders who are behind me,” Oburu said.
The senator urged young people to join ODM, saying it is open to new ideas, new energy, and emerging leadership.
“ODM is a Gen-Z party, like Oburu Oginga, like me. It is a party of all the youths. I urge them to come and join our ODM party,” he said.
Oburu maintained that the party remains committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders and encouraged the youth to continue taking up leadership positions within ODM structures and elective politics.
Delegates from the ODM party in Kisumu, Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay counties Friday formally endorsed Oburu to take over as party leader following the death of Raila Odinga.
The endorsement, made at a meeting in Homa Bay, cemented growing regional support for Oburu, elder brother to the late ODM founder, as he assumes the helm of the party during a delicate leadership transition.
Governor Wanga, who spoke during the event, said the endorsement followed the National Executive Council’s (NEC) recent appointment of Oburu as acting party leader.
“In light of recent developments and the appointment of Oburu as the Acting Party Leader by the ODM National Executive Council, we unequivocally endorse him for the position. We stand united in our unwavering support for him as we decisively advance the party's agenda,” said Wanga.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ stressed the importance of having the party remain united.
He described ODM as a “complex organism” with roots and representation across Kenya, insisting the party must retain its national character even as it consolidates its base in Nyanza.
ODM, he said, is not a Luo party but a national party.
He assured members that Oburu had the capabilities to steer the party
"I have confidence that Oburu Odinga has the temperament, wisdom, and maturity to lead all members of ODM, be they from the Coast, Western, or Nairobi," he stated.
The appointment of Oburu is expected to ensure continuity in leadership as the party prepares to chart its next course.
ODM has been one of Kenya’s most influential political movements, playing a central role in shaping the country’s opposition politics for nearly two decades.
