The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the acting party leader following the death of the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the party announced that the Siaya Senator was appointed by ODM’s National Executive Council (NEC).
Oburu Odinga, who has been a long-serving member of the party and Raila’s elder brother, will serve as acting party leader until the top organ convenes to elect a substantive leader.
“With this regard, the NEC has designated the Senator of Siaya County, Oburu Odinga, to be the acting party leader until the time the top party leaders meet and elect a substantive leader to fill the big shoes that have been left by our leader,” the party announced.
Further, ODM reaffirmed its unity and commitment to the values and vision championed by Raila Odinga throughout his decades of political leadership.
“ODM remains united just as it was during Raila Odinga’s time. We believe in a unity of purpose, a stronger political party, and a movement that must live on for many years to come.”
Alai
The announcement comes a day after ODM member and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai stated that Oburu Odinga will take over the party leadership.
“The acting Party Leader now that Baba Raila Odinga is resting, is Oburu Odinga,” he stated on X on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
He went on to caution Kenyans against misinformation, noting that some people are not mature enough in politics. “Don’t listen to the people who are still in political adolescence,” he stated
Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother and Siaya Senator, is expected to guide the party through this mourning period as the leadership navigates the emotional and political weight of losing its founder.
ODM, a party deeply rooted in Kenya’s democratic story, now faces the task of preserving its unity and values, ideals that Raila built through years of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
