The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party’s Acting Leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga, officially assumed office at Chungwa House this morning, marking a new chapter in the party’s leadership transition.
Dr. Oginga, who recently took over following the passing of the late Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, was received warmly by top party officials, including Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, and Deputy Organizing Secretary Ruth Odinga.
During his visit, Dr. Oginga toured his new office and held a brief meeting with the party’s top leadership to review ongoing organizational matters and the way forward for the movement. The party expressed confidence in his ability to steer ODM through this critical period of reflection and renewal.
In a solemn moment, members of the Central Committee observed a minute of silence in honor of the late Raila Odinga, acknowledging his immense contribution to Kenya’s democracy and the party’s growth. This was the first Central Committee meeting convened since his passing.
Later, Dr. Oginga and SG Sifuna met with workers of the National Secretariat, led by Executive Director Ong’wen, where they assured staff of the leadership’s continued commitment to unity, transparency, and the party’s long-term vision.
The party shared updates of the day’s events on social media under the hashtag #TukoTayari, signaling readiness to move forward while upholding the legacy of its founding leader.
However, Dr. Oginga’s assumption of office comes at a time when ODM faces visible internal wrangles and leadership realignments, particularly following the passing of its long-serving leader. In recent weeks, reports have emerged of disagreements among senior party officials and regional blocs over the future direction of ODM, including who should eventually take over the substantive position of Party Leader.
Some party members have accused certain factions of attempting to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 General Election, while others have urged restraint and patience, arguing that unity should take precedence over succession politics.
Sources within the party indicate that tensions have been simmering between members aligned to the younger generation of leaders—who are pushing for structural reforms and modernization of party systems—and those loyal to the old guard, who prefer maintaining Raila’s political philosophy and organizational approach.
In counties such as Kisumu, Migori, and Homa Bay, ODM grassroots members have also expressed divided opinions regarding the direction of the party, with calls for greater internal democracy and inclusion of youth and women in decision-making.
Political analysts observe that Dr. Oginga’s immediate task will be to calm internal tensions, reenergize party structures, and prepare ODM for the next phase of political reorganization. With national politics entering a new cycle, ODM’s ability to stay cohesive and relevant will largely depend on how effectively its leadership manages internal dissent and succession dynamics.
As ODM begins this new chapter under Dr. Oginga’s interim leadership, the party faces the twin challenge of preserving Raila Odinga’s formidable legacy while reimagining itself for a changing political landscape. The next few months will therefore be crucial for consolidating internal unity, revamping regional structures, and articulating a clear political agenda ahead of future elections.
For now, the message from Chungwa House is clear — ODM is ready to move forward, even as it continues to honor its past.
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