The leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, Oburu Odinga, has taken a sabbatical leave in order to rest and recharge after a series of heated family and political commitments.
The Siaya County Senator has been in the public eye constantly since the passing of his younger brother, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and was buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya.
Following Raila’s funeral, Oburu Odinga headed the remainder of the ODM family in commemorating the party’s 20th anniversary in Mombasa in mid-November 2025. He has also been on various campaign trails garnering support for ODM candidates vying for different elective positions in the by-election scheduled for November 27 across the country.
On the evening of Friday, November 21, 2025, Oburu Odinga announced that he would be taking a break from intense political activities.
Feeling thankful for being in good health and having high spirits. After taking a brief break to rejuvenate and restart, Oburu began posting on X.
Oburu has taken charge of ODM and has criticised party members he views as disloyal to his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He delivered his comments on Saturday, November 15, 2025, during a commemoration marking two decades of the political group’s presence in Mombasa.
Move on from here. I have arrived here as the founder of ODM. I have been a member of this club since day one. In the early morning, we were shown pictures of Raila, my brother. My brother who we have lost and now I do not believe Raila is there,” he said.
I’m still grieving, and my daughter Winnie is telling me that I was overjoyed and I’m still mourning my friend, my brother, my confidant Raila Amolo Odinga whom we have lived with him for 80 years. If you were all to see Raila in action, I was there. I have no place to be, I am not there,” Oburu added.
Original Design Manufacturing in the wrong hands.
Meanwhile, Caleb Amisi, Member of Parliament for Saboti, has asserted that Raila Odinga handed over the party leadership to the wrong individuals, and that those entrusted with steering ODM are lacking in the qualities necessary to lead.
On Monday, November 17, 2025, Amisi told a local TV station that Raila Odinga won’t be left to rest due to the push and pull and disagreements among ODM members, also claiming the current ODM leadership is unconstitutional.
