The battle for the control of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has reached the family hearth. Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, the elder brother of the late Raila Odinga and the current de facto patron of the party, has thrown down the gauntlet to the "Young Turks" agitating for his ouster.

"Stop making noise on TikTok," Oburu told a gathering in Bondo. "If you think you have the numbers, face me at the National Delegates Conference (NDC). Let the owners of the party decide."

The Generational Rift

The challenge is directed primarily at a faction led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other youthful leaders who argue that the "Odinga dynasty" should exit the stage following Raila’s death. They claim that Oburu’s continued grip on the party stifles democracy and alienates the Gen Z demographic.

• The NDC Trap: Oburu’s dare is calculated. The NDC structure is heavily stacked with veteran delegates loyal to the founding families of the movement. By inviting a challenge there, Oburu is luring the rebels into a battlefield he controls.
• The "Caretaker" Role: Oburu positions himself not as a permanent leader, but as a stabilizer. "We cannot hand over the party to excitement," he stated. "We need a transition, not a demolition." He revealed that a negotiation team is being formed to guide the party through the 2027 coalition talks.
• The UDA Factor: Critics accuse Oburu of being too cozy with President Ruto, fearing he might lead ODM into a permanent merger with UDA to secure the family's interests. Oburu refuted this, insisting ODM remains an independent partner in the broad-based government.

The Soul of ODM

The upcoming NDC promises to be the most consequential in the party's history. It will decide whether ODM evolves into a modern democratic institution or remains a heritage asset of the Odinga family. For Oburu, it is a fight for his brother's legacy; for the rebels, it is a fight for their political future.