NAIROBI, KENYA – In a striking declaration aimed at quelling debates about his age and political future, Siaya Senator and acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga, has pushed back against critics, asserting he is as “energetic as a child.” The 82-year-old veteran politician has recently embraced the language of a younger generation, humorously branding himself a “Gen Z” and a “youth leader” amidst a pivotal transition for his party and the nation.

The statement, reported on Thursday, November 13, 2025, comes as Dr. Oginga steps into a more prominent leadership role following the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. His remarks, including a reference to his journey from being a “total orphan” to a youth leader, appear to be a calculated effort to bridge the generational gap within ODM and appeal to a burgeoning youth demographic that has become a formidable force in Kenyan politics.

A Veteran Navigates a New Political Era

Born on October 15, 1943, Oburu Oginga’s political career spans decades, deeply interwoven with the legacy of his father, Kenya's first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. His mother, Mary Juma Odinga, passed away in 1984, followed by his father in 1994, leaving him and his siblings to navigate the complex political terrain on their own. Dr. Oginga has held numerous significant positions, including Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency, Assistant Minister for Finance, and a representative at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

His recent ascent to the helm of ODM, one of Kenya's largest political parties, occurs at a time of significant political realignment. The nation has witnessed the rise of a politically conscious and digitally savvy youth movement, widely dubbed “Gen Z,” which has demonstrated its power to mobilize and influence national discourse, particularly during the 2024 Finance Bill protests. It is within this context that Dr. Oginga’s self-identification with “Gen Z” is particularly noteworthy. In several public appearances, he has expressed support for the youth-led movements, cautioning the political class against hijacking their agenda while emphasizing the need for dialogue over repression.

Unifying a Party in Transition

Internally, ODM faces a succession battle and debates over its future direction. Dr. Oginga has been actively working to quell potential divisions, holding meetings with younger, ambitious party members like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and reassuring them of a fair and inclusive future within the party. By stating, “ODM is a Gen-Z party, like Oburu Oginga, like me,” he directly confronts perceptions that the party is dominated by an older generation. He has pointed to the prominence of younger leaders like Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as evidence of the party's commitment to youth leadership.

His leadership strategy appears focused on projecting stability and continuity while simultaneously signaling an embrace of change. This balancing act is crucial as ODM navigates its cooperation with President William Ruto's government, a move that has sparked internal debate. Dr. Oginga has clarified that this cooperation is based on a memorandum of understanding focused on development and national stability, not a 2027 electoral pact. He has asserted that ODM will not settle for anything less than the Deputy President's seat in any future coalition, a bold declaration of the party's continued relevance and ambition in a post-Raila era.

Implications for Kenyan Politics

Dr. Oginga's rhetoric serves a dual purpose. For the Kenyan public, it is an attempt to rebrand a veteran politician as forward-looking and in touch with the country's youthful majority. For his party, it is a unifying message, assuring the younger ranks that their aspirations have a place within the established order. As the interim leader, his immediate task is to prevent a schism and maintain ODM's formidable political machine.

The broader implications for Kenya are significant. The engagement of established political figures with the “Gen Z” phenomenon signals a recognition of a fundamental shift in the country's political dynamics. How legacy parties like ODM adapt to this new reality—integrating youth concerns and leadership—will be critical in shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dr. Oginga, the octogenarian “Gen Z leader,” has positioned himself at the center of this pivotal, and analytically fascinating, political evolution.