BONDO, Kenya — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates from the Nyanza region on Friday convened an extraordinary meeting in Bondo to chart the party’s course following the death of its founding leader, Raila Odinga.
The meeting, attended by governors, MPs, MCAs, and grassroots leaders, unanimously endorsed Senator Oburu Odinga as interim party leader, pending formal ratification by ODM’s top organs.
Chaired by Oburu, the forum aimed to consolidate the party’s unity and reaffirm its commitment to a broad-based government under President William Ruto — a move that delegates said aligns with Raila Odinga’s final political direction.
“We always told Baba that if he asked us to go left, we shall. If he says right, we go right,” said Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, echoing the sentiment of loyalty expressed by several leaders during the meeting.
Oburu, in his remarks, urged unity beyond regional boundaries. “We are here not just to unite the Luo but to unite the country. This is the moment to prove that all those we used to tell Baba must now remain united in the country,” he said.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo confirmed the endorsement, stating, “MPs, governors, MCAs, and the elders — we have today endorsed Oburu Odinga as the party leader, awaiting final endorsement.”
Other leaders, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, pledged their continued support for ODM, describing the party as a “distinct and enduring political movement.”
“SR Oburu, unite us, do not scatter. We need to remain together,” Ojienda urged.
The meeting, attended by Governors James Orengo (Siaya) and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), who also serves as ODM’s national chairperson, marked a pivotal moment for the party as it navigates a delicate succession period.
Held just days after Raila Odinga’s burial, the Bondo gathering sought to quell internal uncertainty and reaffirm ODM’s position as a key player in Kenya’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
