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Senator for Siaya County
Born
1943(83 yrs)
County
Siaya
Constituency
Siaya
Public Views
Experience
Documented career positions
Dr Oburu Oginga is the Senator for Siaya County, having been elected in August 2022 where he secured 285,595 votes to win on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. He comes from one of Kenya’s most prominent political families: his father was Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the country’s first Vice-President, and his younger brother was Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister and long-time opposition leader. Dr Oginga began his professional career as an economist in the national public service (1981–1994) before entering elective politics. He was elected Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency in 1994 and served until 2013, during which period he held the post of Assistant Minister for Finance (2008–2013). Following his tenure in Parliament, he served as a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) from 2018 to 2022 representing Kenya and contributing to regional legislative cooperation. In October 2025 he was appointed Acting Leader of ODM in the wake of his brother’s passing, a move signifying his elevated role within the party.
Leadership of Senate Energy Committee – As Senator for Siaya County, he was unanimously elected Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy in February 2025, positioning him to influence national energy policy, oversight of fossil fuel exploration and regulation.
Regional Integration and Oversight in the EAC – During his term as a representative in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) from 2017 to 2022, he called for stronger education, human-security and institutional frameworks across the region, thereby contributing to the agenda of East African Community cooperation.
He filed a lawsuit in May 2025 seeking an injunction against the Bondo Town development of a second-hand clothes (“mitumba”) market on parcels Bondo Township/58 and /59. He claimed those parcels were under a legally acquired 99-year lease (from July 2024) and alleged the Siaya County Government was proceeding without proper process.
In September 2023, as part of his party leadership role he publicly challenged rebel MPs within his party (Orange Democratic Movement, ODM) to resign and re-contest their seats if they believed they were popular instead of seeking internal redress. That statement drew criticism from some regional leaders who considered it divisive.
News articles featuring Dr. Oburu Oginga
Fiscal and Parliamentary Experience – He served as Assistant Minister for Finance (2008–2013) in Kenya’s Cabinet, where he worked on fiscal reforms and budget oversight. His longer tenure as Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency (1994–2013) also gives him deep legislative experience.
Strengthening Party Continuity – In October 2025 he was appointed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as Acting (and then confirmed) Party Leader following the passing of Raila Odinga. This move preserved stability in the party and positioned ODM for its future role in Kenyan politics.
His elevation to Acting Party Leader of ODM following the death of his brother was at the centre of internal party maneuvering and external commentary about lineage, authority and continuity in the party — sparking debate over succession, representation, and internal governance in ODM.
