Oburu Oginga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), expressed uncertainty about whether he can fully embody the legacy of his late brother, Raila Odinga, whom he succeeded as party leader.
During an Iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa on the evening of March 13, 2026, Oburu reflected on the importance of honoring his brother’s legacy while simultaneously forging his own political identity.
He acknowledged the significance of the occasion, stating, “This is a very good opportunity for me to come and stay with the Muslims immediately after losing my brother, who was the party leader of ODM.” Oburu remarked on the personal nature of his journey, saying, “He used to come to you for Iftar; now I have replaced him. I do not know whether I fit the shoes, but I have made my own shoes.”
Oburu’s comments not only pay tribute to Raila Odinga’s enduring legacy but also establish his commitment to independent leadership within the party.
His statements follow a recent warning issued by a faction of ODM grassroots and parliamentary leaders, who expressed their determination to support the new leadership under Oburu Oginga.
At a passionate consultative forum held at Kibra’s Kamukunji Grounds on January 14, 2026, MPs and grassroots leaders aligned with the Orange party emphasized their refusal to tolerate any disrespect directed at the new party leader from dissenting members.
Under the leadership of area representative Peter Orero and Felix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang’o from Lang’ata, the lawmakers firmly rejected any opposition to Ruto’s reelection, reiterating that Raila had left them within a broad-based government.
“This is the famous Kamukunji grounds; it is here where the politics of Raila began. Baba has been leading us, and just like our Baba, Oburu is also Owadgi Gi Akinyi. As a party, our Central Committee Management (CCM) reached a decision, and we affirm the party’s new directive, urging all members to adhere to it,” Orero asserted.
Jalang’o reinforced this message, stating, “We want to affirm that our leader is Oburu, and let no one negotiate anything without his consent. Baba left us in ODM and broad-based, and that is where we are and in the two terms.”
