A New Era for ODM?

Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County, on Friday, October 24, 2025, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga delivered a pointed message to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politicians: the era of securing party nominations through backroom endorsements is over. Her remarks came during a delegates' meeting that formally endorsed her elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, as the acting party leader.

“I am telling you that under Oburu Odinga, we'll set the party on the correct path. He's a very truthful guy. You won't go to him that, ‘Oburu Odinga, hold my hand.’ He won't hold your hand. Go and ask the voters for votes,” Ms. Odinga stated emphatically to the crowd. This declaration signals a potential and significant pivot for a party long dogged by accusations of favouritism and chaotic nomination processes.

Context of Transition

Ms. Odinga's comments are particularly weighty given the party's current transition. Following the recent death of its long-standing leader, Raila Odinga, the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) met on Thursday, October 16, 2025, and unanimously appointed Dr. Oburu Oginga as the interim leader to ensure stability and continuity. Dr. Oginga, 82, a veteran politician with a career spanning since 1974, has pledged to uphold his brother's legacy while acknowledging the immense responsibility. His appointment is seen by many as a move to steady the party and prevent factionalism during the mourning period.

However, the party's history is replete with contentious primaries. In strongholds like Homa Bay, Migori, and Siaya, securing the ODM ticket is often seen as a guarantee of winning the general election, leading to fierce and sometimes violent internal contests. Allegations of manipulated delegate lists, imposed candidates, and favouritism have been persistent, causing voter disillusionment and defections. For instance, ODM was forced to postpone its Kasipul constituency primaries in September 2025 due to a violent invasion of the election materials distribution centre by an aspirant.

Implications for Kenyan Politics

Ruth Odinga's statement directly confronts this legacy. By publicly warning against seeking patronage from the new leadership, she is advocating for a merit-based system where political survival depends on genuine grassroots support. This call for accountability could reshape the political landscape in ODM's core support bases, particularly in Nyanza, where the Odinga family's influence has been paramount.

Her stance is consistent with her recent calls for unity within the party. Following her brother Raila's passing, she cautioned against emerging factions and stressed that ODM must remain a united front to achieve its goals. Her latest remarks in Bondo build on this theme, suggesting that true unity can only be achieved through fair and transparent democratic processes that empower the electorate.

The challenge now lies in translating these words into action. The ODM's National Elections Board has previously assured aspirants of free and fair processes, yet controversies have often followed. As Dr. Oburu Oginga takes the helm, all eyes will be on whether the party can reform its nomination procedures to reflect the democratic ideals championed by his sister. For aspirants across Kenya, the message from Bondo is clear: performance and voter connection, not political inheritance, should be the new currency for success within ODM.