The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially named Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as its new party leader, concluding a leadership transition that began in the wake of the death of his younger brother, Raila Odinga. The endorsement was formalized by the party's National Governing Council (NGC) during a meeting in Mombasa on the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2025, a decision that marks a pivotal moment for the nearly two-decade-old political outfit.

Dr. Oginga's appointment was confirmed alongside a new slate of leaders intended to fill key positions and guide the party forward. The NGC also approved the appointments of Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as Deputy Party Leaders. Additionally, Dr. Ariko Namoit and Dr. Otiende Amollo were confirmed as Vice Chairpersons. These appointments, however, remain subject to final ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC), the party's highest decision-making organ.

A New Chapter for ODM

The confirmation of Dr. Oginga, a veteran politician and elder statesman, is seen by analysts as a move to ensure stability and continuity within ODM, a party that has been central to Kenyan politics since its formation during the 2005 constitutional referendum. He had been serving as the acting party leader since October 16, 2025, following a unanimous resolution by the National Executive Committee (NEC) just a day after his brother's passing. That decision was subsequently endorsed by the party's Central Management Committee on October 27, 2025, paving the way for the NGC's final approval.

In a statement following the October Central Committee meeting, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna urged the party's members to rally behind Dr. Oginga. “The top party organ... urges the party rank and file to accord him all the necessary support and cooperation to enable him guide the party through this difficult time,” Sifuna stated.

The leadership changes coincide with the party's 20th-anniversary celebrations, branded 'ODM@20', which are scheduled to take place from November 14 to 16 in Mombasa. The event is expected to serve as both a commemoration of Raila Odinga's legacy and a platform to outline the party's future strategic direction. The party has also been holding memorial events across several counties to honor its late leader.

Navigating a Complex Political Landscape

Dr. Oburu Oginga, born in 1943, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His long career in public service includes serving as a Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency from 1994 to 2013, Assistant Minister for Finance in the Grand Coalition Government (2008-2013), and a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) from 2018 to 2022. He was elected Senator for Siaya County in August 2022.

His leadership comes at a critical juncture. The party faces the dual challenge of navigating its future without its charismatic, long-term leader while managing internal ambitions and external political pressures. A key issue is the party's commitment to the broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto's administration, a pact that has created differing opinions within the party's ranks. While one faction advocates for continuing the cooperation, another, led by figures like Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, has pushed for the party to field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.

Dr. Oginga has publicly affirmed his commitment to the broad-based government, stating it was the framework his brother left the party in. However, he also faces the task of uniting the party and addressing the aspirations of a younger generation of leaders who are keen to see a 'generational change'. In recent weeks, he has reportedly been engaging with various factions, including a youth movement within the party, to foster unity and forestall potential divisions. In a November 5 memorial service, Dr. Oginga declared that ODM must “form government come 2027, or be firmly in government,” asserting that being in the opposition is “a thing of the past.”

As the new leader, Dr. Oginga is tasked with steering ODM through this complex political terrain, preserving the legacy of his brother while charting a new course for one of Kenya's most significant political movements. The upcoming National Delegates Convention will be the ultimate test of his ability to consolidate his leadership and unify the party for the challenges ahead.