BONDO, Kenya — Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will continue its working relationship with President William Ruto’s administration despite the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, the party’s founding leader.
Speaking on Friday, October 17, at the late Odinga’s home in Bondo, Siaya County, Wandayi — a lifelong ODM member and former Minority Leader in the National Assembly — affirmed that the party remains committed to the path of collaboration initiated under Raila’s leadership.
“Baba Raila Amollo Odinga has left us in the government led by President William Ruto, and that is where we are going to stay till the end,” Wandayi said.
He added with conviction:
“And I can dare say, without fear of contradiction, that we are going to walk step by step with President William Ruto to the end — now and beyond 2027.”
Wandayi emphasized that the late Raila’s decision to steer ODM toward constructive engagement with government policy was a strategic shift meant to secure national stability and development.
During his address, the CS also threw his weight behind the appointment of Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga as acting party leader, following a decision by the ODM National Executive Council (NEC) hours after Raila’s passing.
“ODM, which I belong to and all of us here belong to, has made a very wise decision to appoint Dr. Oburu Odinga as the acting party leader,” Wandayi said. “In fact, I will be proposing that the party convenes very quickly, soon after Baba’s send-off, for the National Delegates Convention to confirm Dr. Oburu’s appointment and formally elect him as party leader.”
He described Oburu as a “calm, seasoned, and capable leader”, expressing confidence in his ability to preserve the unity of ODM and sustain its cooperation with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Oburu’s appointment as acting leader took effect immediately after an emergency NEC session on Thursday morning, a move seen as a stabilizing measure for the party during a period of national mourning and transition.
As ODM prepares for Raila Odinga’s state burial in Bondo, Wandayi’s remarks signal the party’s intention to uphold its founder’s legacy of dialogue and inclusivity — while navigating a new political era under the Ruto administration
