The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as the Acting Party Leader, following a unanimous decision by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
In a statement released on Thursday morning, the ODM said the NEC convened and agreed to designate Oburu as the interim leader with immediate effect.
“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 statement posted on ODM’s official platforms.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the party, which is navigating a leadership transition after the passing of its long-serving leader and Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. Raila, fondly known as “Baba,” died on Wednesday while receiving treatment at an Ayurvedic facility in India after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Oburu, Raila’s elder brother, steps in to guide the ODM during a sensitive mourning period and ensure stability as the party plans its next course. His appointment marks the first major internal decision by ODM since the demise of its founding leader, whose influence shaped Kenya’s political landscape for over four decades.
Meanwhile, the remains of the late Raila Odinga are expected to arrive in the country this morning aboard a Kenya Airways flight. The body is being accompanied by a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, alongside Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and other leaders.
President William Ruto has announced that Raila will be accorded a state funeral with full honors. A national funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Oburu Oginga, has begun planning the burial arrangements, with sittings scheduled in Nairobi, Kisumu, Karen, and Opoda.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has urged members to remain united during this period of mourning, honoring the legacy of the man many called “Baba.”
