Siaya Senator and newly endorsed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed claims that the party is dominated by older politicians, saying it remains a dynamic and youthful movement.
Speaking in Homa Bay on Sunday, Oburu said perceptions that his age defines the character of the ODM party are misleading. He emphasized that young leaders are already shaping the party’s direction at both county and national levels.
“Some people are saying that Oburu is aged and is making ODM seem like a party for older people. We have young leaders in the party like Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga — are they not young?” he posed.
Oburu encouraged the youth to take ownership of ODM’s future, describing it as a movement open to new ideas, fresh 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.
His remarks came days after ODM delegates from Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay counties endorsed him as the new party leader, following the death of Raila Odinga. The endorsement marks a significant moment in the party’s leadership transition.
Governor Gladys Wanga confirmed that the endorsement followed ODM’s National Executive Council (NEC) decision to appoint Oburu as acting party leader.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ also called for unity, stressing that ODM remains a national party with representation across Kenya. He expressed confidence in Oburu’s ability to lead with wisdom and maturity.
As ODM prepares for its next phase, Oburu’s leadership is expected to focus on nurturing young leaders and strengthening the party’s grassroots structures across the country.
