- Senator Oburu Oginga argues that Nyanza ought not to be preoccupied with the talk of who next should be the region’s go-to leader after Raila Odinga’s demise
- According to him, Raila and his peers did their bit politically for the long it took them
- He said Raila groomed many young politicos who are now well-suited to take over from where the fallen leader left
Siaya senator Oburu Oginga says there is no urgency in installing the next Nyanza linchpin following the demise of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Source: Twitter
Speaking in his first media interview since Raila’s death, Oburu, who currently stewards ODM as its interim leader, acknowledged that Raila’s tenure in Nyanza politics, and by extension, national politics, was exceptional.
Who will be Raila’s political successor?
He, however, noted that a new generation of leadership would be more fitting at this stage.
Appearing to distance himself from speculation about being Raila’s political successor, Oburu argued that the former premier’s peers should not be considered the next figureheads.
The senator observed that Raila had mentored enough leaders who now possess the vigour and drive to carry forward his legacy.
“From where I stand, I believe Raila’s contemporaries should step aside with him. Personally, I’d prefer that leadership be handed to those who worked closely with him, not to us who are his age mates,” he said.
An openly liberal Oburu further appreciated that the upcoming electoral cycle would be ideal for a younger crop of leaders who had long looked up to his contemporaries.
What advice did Oburu Oginga give young Kenyans?
The elective posts in 2027 will be for the younsters for the taking, he said.
Oburu counselled young politicians to align themselves with existing political establishments in order to refine their leadership skills under proper mentorship.
“I encourage young people to step into more leadership roles in the upcoming election. They have both the energy and time to serve. But to truly lead, they should take charge of political parties, either by joining those already in place or by forming their own,” he added.
Raila died on October 15 while on treatment in a hospital in India.
How Raila’s death unsettled his base
His death was unforeseen. Those close to him revealed he was scheduled to fly back to Kenya on October 16 after his medical trip.
Raila’s death disoriented his faction which looked up to him in important governance and political matters.
Source: Twitter
With his death, the future of the ODM party remains unclear, given the rival factions that have maintained their positions regarding the broad-based government.
Before his passing, the veteran politician was categorical that the ODM party would partner with President William Ruto until 2027, after which he would guide the outfit on the direction to take.
He died without declaring whether the party would support Ruto’s re-election bid.
One faction within ODM believes that, by virtue of the party being part of the broad-based government, it is automatically aligned to support Ruto in 2027.
Conversely, the opposing wing maintains that Raila was only explicit about the party’s involvement in the current arrangement with the government, but did not authorise support for Ruto’s re-election.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
