ODM ratifies Oburu Oginga's appointment as party leader

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s National Governing Council (NGC) has approved the appointment of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the political behemoth’s leader, officially succeeding his late younger brother Raila Odinga. 

The announcement, which followed the NGC's special sitting in Mombasa ahead of the party's 20th anniversary celebrations this weekend, came as the council sought to chart the way forward by ratifying appointments to pending positions. 

The NGC also approved the three Deputy Party leaders, comprising Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, his Kisii counterpart Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. 

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu were also ratified to the positions of Deputy Organising Secretary and Secretary of Political Affairs, respectively. 

The leaders will now officially assume office upon approval by the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC).

Oburu was named as acting party leader on October 16, 2025, by the National Executive Council (NEC) following Raila's demise. 

The ODM's celebrations were initially slated for Mombasa last month but were postponed to allow Raila to travel to India for medical treatment. Following his demise, the party resolved to proceed with the event in a bid to honour his legacy.