NAIROBI, Kenya — A group of life members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has petitioned the party’s National Elections Board (NEB), demanding the immediate resignation of Acting Party Leader Oburu Odinga, accusing him of violating the ODM constitution and undermining internal democracy.
The petition, dated November 18, is led by long-time ODM member Rachael Tabitha, who said the party’s leadership had taken decisions that contravene its constitutional framework and disregard the rights of members.
“We, the undersigned life members of the Orange Democratic Movement, led by Hon. Rachael Tabitha, submit this petition in exercise of our rights as loyal, dedicated, and constitutionally recognized life members of the party,” reads part of the document.
The petitioners argued that Oburu’s appointment was irregular and lacked broad approval, insisting that party organs must return to constitutional order following the death of long-serving ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The life members outlined three key demands:
1. Immediate Resignation of Oburu Odinga
They want Dr. Oburu Odinga removed from all party leadership roles, accusing him of “violating internal democratic norms” and eroding party cohesion.
2. Convening of an Urgent National Delegates Convention (NDC)
They say an NDC is necessary to restore legitimacy to party structures and reaffirm ODM’s constitutional principles.
3. Full Recognition of Life Members and All ODM Members
The petition demands respect for members’ rights and participation in party decision-making, arguing that recent decisions have excluded core constituencies within the party.
The petition further warns that if ODM fails to act within 30 days, the life members will resign from the party “as a matter of principle.”
Oburu Odinga, 81, was appointed Acting Party Leader on October 16 after the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) unanimously endorsed him during a meeting in Nairobi.
The announcement came just weeks after the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had led ODM since its inception.
“The National Executive Committee has unanimously endorsed the designation of Dr. Oburu Oginga as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately,” ODM said at the time.
However, dissent within the party has grown steadily.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi criticised the appointment, describing it as “premature” and “insensitive” to Raila Odinga’s mourning period. Amisi said the party ought to have postponed major decisions until after a suitable period of reflection.
“The timing was wrong because Kenyans are still mourning Raila. Some people are still crying. Why couldn’t we just postpone?” he said.
Amisi also challenged the legitimacy of Oburu’s endorsement, arguing that ODM did not follow the procedures requiring a National Delegates Convention for leadership selection.
Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late Raila Odinga, also expressed discomfort with Oburu’s appointment and called for an NDC to allow party members to democratically choose their next leader.
The petition adds to growing unease within ODM, which is grappling with succession politics, internal factionalism, and demands for transparent, constitutionally grounded decision-making.
