ODM APPOINTS RAILA'S HEIR

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga Odinga as the Acting Party Leader, following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, ODM announced that the decision was reached unanimously during a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

“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,” read part of the ODM statement shared on the party’s official social media platforms.

The announcement was later reiterated at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, where Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir confirmed the decision on behalf of the NEC.

“The NEC has designated Senator Oburu to be the Acting Party Leader until such a time that the party organs meet and elect a substantive leader to fill the big shoes left by our leader,” Abdulswamad said.

Dr. Oburu, the elder brother of the late Raila Odinga, takes charge of the party at a defining moment as ODM begins a delicate transition following the loss of its founding leader.

Party officials said the move aims to ensure continuity and stability as ODM reorganizes and prepares for strategic consultations in the coming weeks.

“Dr. Oburu’s appointment ensures the ODM party remains united and continues advancing Raila Odinga’s political legacy,” an NEC member told Sauce.co.ke.

Governor Abdulswamad added that ODM remains firmly united and committed to carrying forward Raila’s ideals of democracy, justice, and inclusion.

“ODM remains united just as it was during the time of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga. We believe in unity of purpose, a stronger democratic party, and one that will live on for many years to come,” he affirmed.

He further announced that condolence books have been opened in all ODM offices across the country for members, supporters, and the general public to pay their respects.

“The party has opened condolence books in all our offices across the country. Members, supporters, and the general public are free to visit any of the offices at the county level to sign the condolence book. In some cases, these are also available in governors’ offices,” Abdulswamad said.

Under Raila Odinga’s leadership, ODM emerged as one of Kenya’s most influential political movements, shaping national conversations on reform, social justice, and good governance.

Founded in 2005, the party played a pivotal role in the 2007 constitutional reform movement and the enactment of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, milestones that cemented Raila’s place as a symbol of democratic resilience and political reform.

As ODM navigates its transition, Dr. Oburu’s temporary leadership marks the beginning of a new chapter for the party that has long defined Kenya’s opposition politics. His appointment is seen as a bridge between Raila’s legacy and the future direction of the movement.

Party leaders have urged supporters across the country to remain peaceful, united, and committed to the ideals that Raila championed throughout his lifetime — democracy, justice, and national unity.

“We believe Raila’s spirit will continue to guide us,” Abdulswamad said. “His struggle was not just for power, but for the soul of this nation.”