The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as its Acting Party Leader, following a unanimous decision by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
In a statement released on Thursday morning, ODM announced that the NEC had met and unanimously endorsed Dr. Oginga’s designation, noting that the appointment takes effect immediately.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator of Siaya County Dr. Oburu Oginga as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately,” the party said in a statement posted on its official platforms.
The NEC’s move marks the first major internal decision by the party since the passing of its founding leader, whose political career spanned more than four decades and shaped Kenya’s democratic landscape.
Oginga, the elder brother of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, assumes leadership at a crucial time as ODM begins a transition process following Raila’s death onWednesday, October 16, 2025.
His appointment is expected to ensure continuity in the party’s leadership and provide stability as ODM prepares for the next phase of its political journey.
Meanwhile, preparations for Raila Odinga’s state funeral are underway. His body is expected to arrive in Kenya from India, where he passed away while undergoing treatment at an Ayurvedic facility.
A high-level delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, travelled to India to facilitate the repatriation.
The delegation includes Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, and Senator Eddy Oketch, among others. Representing the family is Raila’s youngest daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga.
President William Ruto has announced that Raila will be accorded a State Funeral with full honours. A national funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Oginga, has already begun coordinating the arrangements.