NAIROBI, Kenya — Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has expressed surprise after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Council (NEC) reportedly nominated him as the party’s interim leader, saying he was neither consulted nor expecting the decision.
In remarks made on Sunday, Oburu said he learned of the development “with shock,” emphasizing that ODM is a national political movement—not a family inheritance.
“I was shocked when ODM NEC nominated me to be the interim party leader,” he said. “ODM is not a family inheritance affair. It’s not Jaramogi’s party. Jaramogi’s party is headed by Moses Wetang’ula.”
His comments appeared to counter growing perceptions that ODM leadership succession is confined to members of the Odinga family, following the death of the party’s long-time leader, Raila Odinga.
Oburu, who has been a founding member of ODM since its inception in 2005, reiterated that the party must remain democratic, inclusive, and guided by its constitution rather than lineage or legacy politics.
“I have always stood for democracy and transparency in ODM. Leadership should emerge through consensus and internal elections, not through assumptions or family ties,” Oburu stated.
The council is said to have considered Oburu’s seniority and historical connection to the party as factors in its proposal.
Political analysts note that Oburu’s remarks could reshape internal debates on succession, particularly amid calls for generational renewal and institutional reforms within the opposition.
