Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga approved as ODM party leader by the National Governing Council. /FILEThe Orange Democratic Movement’s National Governing Council has officially approved Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the party’s leader.
The council also endorsed Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osoti as deputy party leaders.
Vice chairpersons Ariko Namoit and Rarieda MP, Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo, were likewise approved.
Appointments for Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga as Deputy Organising Secretary and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu as Secretary of Political Affairs were also confirmed.
“They assume office subject to ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC). Congratulations to the new leaders,” ODM said in a statement.
Oburu, who jokingly refers to himself as the Gen Z leader, has been acting ODM party leader since October 16, following the death of his brother, Raila Odinga.
Raila died on October 15 from cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in India.
On October 27, the party’s Central Management Committee endorsed Oburu's appointment as interim party leader.
Speaking on November 5 during the first Ecumenical Memorial service for Raila at the Raila Odinga stadium in Homa Bay county, Oburu pledged to hold the party firmly in unity.
"We must remain united and serve the interest of Kenyans," he said, affirming that ODM would never exit the broad-based government and sit on the opposition side.
Oburu's approval as party leader comes a day ahead of ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations, scheduled to take place at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa from November 14 to 16.
The celebrations were initially planned for October 10 to 12, but were rescheduled.
ODM said the shift to November was meant to allow more counties and supporters to participate, adding that the change was consistent with the party’s values of inclusivity, democracy, and wider outreach.
In a statement on November 10, Oburu said the milestone will honour two decades of political struggle, sacrifice and service to the Kenyan people.
He described the anniversary as a moment to reflect on the party’s journey and to celebrate the legacy of his late brother Raila, whose vision and courage shaped what he termed the modern democratic movement in Kenya.
“As we commemorate this landmark, we do so in honour of the indelible legacy of our departed Party Leader, the Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, the father of modern democracy in Kenya, whose vision, courage and sacrifice built this movement,” he said.
The event is expected to be attended by ODM founding members, including President William Ruto.
Leader of Minority and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed indicated that Jubilee Party leader Uhuru Kenyatta had been invited, although separate reports suggested that he may not attend.
