The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) interim party leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga, today made his inaugural official visit to the party’s headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, on Monday, marking his first visit since taking on the leadership role of the opposition party.
Accompanied by his sister, Ruth Odinga, who is the Kisumu County Woman Representative, Dr. Oburu was welcomed at Chungwa House by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen.
Ruth Odinga, who also holds the position of Deputy Organising Secretary for the party, participated in a brief meeting where Dr. Oburu acquainted himself with his new office. In a statement shared on ODM’s official X account, the party remarked:
“Ag. Party Leader @dr_oburuoginga visited Chungwa House this morning. He had a feel of his new office and held a brief meeting with the SG @edwinsifuna, ED @ongwen, and Dep. Org. Sec. @RuthOdinga42. Karibu Mhe. Dkt. Oburu Oginga. #TukoTayari.”
Following his visit, Dr. Oburu went to a hotel in Lavington to preside over a Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting.
Dr. Oburu was appointed as Acting Party Leader on October 16, 2025, after the passing of his brother and long-time ODM leader, Raila Odinga, who died in India a day prior.
During the meeting on Monday, the acting party leader was anticipated to address ODM’s stance on national issues in the post-Raila context and to prepare for the forthcoming ODM@20 celebrations set to take place in Mombasa next month.
This transition has sparked internal discussions within ODM, with varying opinions regarding the party’s future collaboration with President William Ruto under the broad-based government framework.
Ongoing discussions are also focused on the potential confirmation of Dr. Oburu as the substantive party leader.
Some members have backed him, pointing to his experience, seniority, and long-standing ties with the party. Others think that the Odinga family is key to ODM’s cohesion.
Makadara MP and ODM Nairobi branch chairman George Aladwa stated:
“It’s either Oburu, or if not him, then Ida Odinga, or Raila Junior or Winnie Odinga. The Odinga name has to stay as the main unifying element of our party.”
Nyando MP Jared Okello remarked;
“Baba was the glue that kept us united. Oburu, being an elder and a founding member, possesses the wisdom and experience to maintain the party’s strength. The ship won’t sink under his guidance.”
Dr. Oburu Oginga, the elder brother of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, has been a long-time politician and a significant figure in Kenya’s pro-democracy movement.
A seasoned player in multiparty politics, the octogenarian politician has occupied various public roles, including serving as Assistant Minister for Finance and as Kenya’s representative to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
His role as acting ODM leader comes after decades of political engagement within the Odinga family, which has played a key role in shaping Kenya’s opposition politics since the fight for multiparty democracy began in the early 1990s.
