Party Unity in Focus

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang has publicly expressed his confidence in the ability of his Siaya counterpart, Dr. Oburu Oginga Odinga, to lead the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). This endorsement, reported on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025, marks a significant moment of consolidation for the party as it navigates a critical transition period. The move is seen by political analysts as an effort to project stability and unity within the party's ranks following the recent passing of its long-serving leader, Raila Amolo Odinga.

Dr. Oburu Odinga, the elder brother of the late former Prime Minister, was unanimously appointed as the Acting Party Leader by ODM's National Executive Committee (NEC) on Thursday, 16th October 2025. The party's statement, issued that morning, confirmed the appointment was effective immediately and was intended to ensure continuity in leadership. Senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir, emphasized that the decision was guided by the need for stability during what they described as “the most painful moment in the party's history.”

A Veteran Hand at the Helm

Dr. Odinga, 82, is a seasoned politician with a career spanning nearly five decades. An economist by training with a PhD from the People's Friendship University in Moscow, he has held numerous public service roles. His extensive experience includes serving as a Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency, Assistant Minister for Finance in the Grand Coalition Government, and a representative for Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) from 2018 to 2022. He was elected Senator for Siaya County in the August 2022 general elections. His supporters view him as a unifying figure and a steady hand capable of stewarding the party through its current challenges.

The expression of support from Senator Kajwang is noteworthy. The Kajwang family holds significant political influence within ODM and the wider Nyanza region. Moses Kajwang has served as the Senator for Homa Bay County since winning a by-election in February 2015, following the death of his elder brother, Gerald Otieno Kajwang, who was a party stalwart. His public backing of Dr. Odinga, alongside similar affirmations from his brother, Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang, signals an important alignment of key political families within the party's core support base.

Navigating a New Political Era

The transition in ODM's leadership comes at a pivotal moment in Kenyan politics. The party, which has been a dominant force in the country's opposition for nearly two decades, faces the profound challenge of redefining its identity and strategy in the post-Raila Odinga era. An urgent Central Committee meeting was scheduled for the week following Dr. Odinga's appointment to deliberate on the party's future direction, internal cohesion, and its role within the broad-based government. The agenda reportedly included discussions on upcoming by-elections and the 10-point agenda signed between the UDA and ODM parties.

While Dr. Odinga's appointment is on an acting basis until the party's top organs convene to elect a substantive leader, his immediate task is to manage the complex internal dynamics and chart a course forward. Statements from leaders like Kisii Governor Simba Arati, a Deputy Party Leader, have reaffirmed the party's commitment to remaining a formidable political entity with plans to contest the presidency in 2027. Senator Kajwang himself has publicly stated that ODM will field a presidential candidate, underscoring the party's intention to remain a key player on the national stage. The collective endorsements for Dr. Oburu Odinga suggest a strategic decision to rally behind an experienced leader to safeguard the extensive political legacy built by his late brother and ensure the party's continued relevance and influence in Kenya and the East Africa region.