Oburu Odinga Appointed Interim ODM Leader as Kenya Mourns Raila

Nairobi, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement has appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as acting party leader following the sudden death of his younger brother, Raila Odinga, the party’s founder and longtime opposition stalwart.

The appointment was announced early Thursday morning after an emergency meeting of ODM’s National Executive Committee.

The decision comes as the nation prepares for the arrival of Raila Odinga’s body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 9:30 a.m., where it is expected to be received by family, party officials, and dignitaries.

Raila Odinga, 80, died of a heart attack on Wednesday, October 15, while undergoing medical treatment in Koothattukulam, Kerala, India.

He reportedly collapsed during a morning walk, according to hospital officials at Devamatha Hospital.

The veteran politician, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and ran for president five times, was a towering figure in African politics, known for his relentless advocacy for democracy and reform.

President William Ruto, a former political rival, described him as “truly a once-in-a-generation leader” in a statement mourning his passing.

Oburu Odinga, 82, a seasoned politician and economist who has represented Siaya County in the Senate since 2013, was unanimously endorsed by the NEC to step in as interim leader.

The appointment is temporary, pending a final decision by the party’s top organs, as ODM navigates the emotional and political vacuum left by Raila’s death.

“The National Executive Committee has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator of Siaya County, Dr Oburu Oginga, as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately,” read an official ODM statement.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, speaking after the NEC meeting, confirmed the decision and announced that condolence books have been opened in all ODM offices nationwide for the public to pay tribute to Raila. Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, an ODM member, echoed the announcement on social media, urging party supporters to ignore misinformation and rally behind the new interim leadership.

The Odinga family, long synonymous with Kenyan opposition politics stemming from their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president, now faces the challenge of preserving Raila’s legacy.

Oburu, who has served in various roles including as a nominated MP and assistant minister, is seen as a stabilizing force due to his close ties to Raila and deep roots in the party.

Analysts suggest this interim role will help ODM maintain cohesion as it contemplates a permanent successor, amid speculation about potential internal contests.

Reactions to the appointment have been largely supportive within ODM circles, with members expressing resolve to honor Raila’s vision of justice and equality.

However, the party’s future remains uncertain, as Raila’s charismatic leadership was central to its identity and electoral success.

As Kenya mourns a political icon, attention turns to how ODM will evolve under new stewardship in a rapidly changing political landscape.