MOMBASA, KENYA – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally appointed Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as its new party leader, a decision finalised by its National Governing Council (NGC) on Thursday, 13th November 2025, in Mombasa. The move elevates Dr. Oginga from the interim role he assumed in mid-October following the death of his brother and the party's foundational leader, Raila Odinga.

The endorsement, which took place ahead of the party's 20th-anniversary celebrations, is part of a broader leadership restructuring aimed at navigating ODM's future in a dramatically altered political landscape. All appointments made by the council are subject to final ratification by the party's National Delegates Convention (NDC).

New Leadership Slate Unveiled

In a comprehensive reshuffle, the NGC also approved a team to support Dr. Oginga. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi were all confirmed as Deputy Party Leaders, reflecting a strategy to consolidate regional strengths. Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, sister to both Oburu and Raila, was appointed Deputy Organising Secretary, further cementing the family's continued influence within the party structure.

Other significant appointments include Rarieda MP Otiendo Amollo and Turkana South MP Ariko Namoit as Vice Chairpersons, who will serve alongside existing officials Johnes Mwaruma and Christine Lemein. Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu has been named the new Secretary of Political Affairs.

A Party at a Crossroads

The leadership transition occurs at a critical juncture for ODM, one of Kenya's most influential political movements since its formation in 2005. Following the death of Raila Odinga on 15th October 2025, the party has been grappling with internal divisions over its future direction. A key debate revolves around its relationship with President William Ruto's administration and its strategy for the 2027 general election.

Dr. Oginga, who officially took charge at the party's Chungwa House headquarters on 27th October 2025 in an acting capacity, inherits a party split between factions advocating for continued cooperation with the government and those pushing for a return to a robust opposition role. Senior party figures have offered conflicting interpretations of Raila Odinga's final wishes, with some, like Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, suggesting an alignment with President Ruto, while others, led by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, insist on fielding an independent presidential candidate in 2027.

In recent interviews, Dr. Oginga has articulated a pragmatic but assertive stance, stating that while ODM will remain in the government for now, it will not settle for anything less than the Deputy President's position in any future coalition arrangement. This declaration has already created ripples across the political scene, particularly within the ruling UDA coalition, as it signals ODM's intent to leverage its significant political base in future power-sharing negotiations.

Implications for Kenya and the Region

The stability and strategic direction of ODM carry significant weight for Kenyan politics. As the traditional anchor of opposition politics for two decades, its decisions will heavily influence the formation of alliances ahead of 2027. The party's new leadership must now unify its diverse membership, manage the high expectations of its supporters, and chart a clear course that honours its legacy while adapting to new political realities.

The formalisation of Dr. Oginga's leadership is the first major step in this new era. His immediate challenge will be to bridge internal divides and articulate a coherent vision for the party's role, whether as a partner in government or as the primary opposition force holding it to account. The upcoming National Delegates Convention will be the ultimate test of his ability to consolidate this new leadership structure and rally the party faithful behind him.