ODM top organ endorses Oburu Odinga as party leader

ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna and acting party leader Oburu Odinga during a press briefing on the state of the ODM after the demise of the party leader, the late prime minister Raila Odinga at DusitPrincess hotel, Nairobi on October 27, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI

The top organ of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the new party leader.

The Central Management Committee in Nairobi, chaired by Oburu, resolved to confirm him as a replacement for his late brother Raila Odinga.  

The Siaya Senator was named as the acting party leader on October 16, 2025, by the National Executive Council (NEC), just a day after the demise of his brother in India, and now the Central Committee has reaffirmed the same.

“This being the first meeting of the committee since the passing of the party leader, the top party organ that we endorse Hon. Dr Oburu Oginga as the new party leader and urge the party rank and file to accord him all the necessary support and cooperation to enable him guide the party through this difficult time,” Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said after the near four-hour meeting.

ODM is now seeking to use Oburu’s confirmation to rally its supporters behind it, as fears have emerged over its future without Raila.  

ODM leaders during a press briefing on the state of the ODM after the demise of the party leader, the late prime minister Raila Odinga, at DusitPrincess hotel, Nairobi, on October 27, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI

During today’s event, the party sought to assure its supporters that all was well while accusing the media of fanning reports of disunity and wrangles within its formation.

The party said its Central Management Committee meeting laid a firm foundation of unity upon which they can build, moving forward, while asking the media to help it sustain this momentum by not perpetually hyping on perceived divisions.

“I beseech the media to avoid the tendency for sensationalism and the incessant hunt for negative news within the party. ODM’s biggest problem now will not be which faction is winning against which one,” Sifuna said.

Newly endorsed ODM party leader Senator Oburu Odinga, during a press briefing on the state of the party after at DusitPrincess hotel, Nairobi, on October 27, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI

The party, however, acknowledged that there will be differences in opinion among its members, which is healthy in a democratic society.

“Instead, take time to also see us as a fabric built from diverse material originating from everywhere in the country, which predictably means that we may not always speak the same language, but we certainly know how to avoid the pitfalls of division that will happen on our path,” Sifuna added.

The ODM party is also planning memorial services in Magarini in Kilifi County on 2nd and 3rd and Homabay and Migori on 5th and 6th of next month in addition to the ODM@20 Anniversary in Mombasa

“That as part of the strengthening and spreading the reach of the party, the ODM@20 celebrations will proceed on the 14th, 15th, and 16th, accompanied by activities aimed at cementing the unity and solidarity within the party. All committees tasked with preparations for the events are asked to continue with preparations.”

As the top leadership of this party, the top organ resolved to pursue all causes Raila dedicated his life to, do everything within our power to uphold the unity of the party, and apply lessons learned from the departed leader and comrade in the service of the nation and a people he loved and fought for.

The ODM organ declared its support for the broad-based government, which they reiterated runs up to 2027.

“We reiterate the commitment of the Party to the broad-based government until 2027, a relationship guided by the ten-point agenda entered into for the sake of peace and stability of the country.”