- Senator Oburu Oginga confirmed his health and readiness to lead ODM after brother Raila Odinga’s death
- He explained the ODM’s stance in the formation of the new government after the upcoming general elections
- His remarks came amid internal divisions and differing stances within the ODM party ahead of the 2027 polls
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Migori: ODM party leader and Siaya senator Oburu Oginga has affirmed his well-being and told off critics who have questioned his ability to lead the party following the death of his brother, former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
His remarks came weeks after speculation grew about his health when he was reportedly taken ill abroad days following Raila’s burial.
According to his family, however, the senator took a sabbatical leave after the intense by-election campaigns.
What did Oburu Odinga say about his death?
On Saturday, December 27, he appeared at a tournament in Suna East Constituency, where he affirmed his stability and declared his readiness to steer ODM into the future.
“ODM has been led and built effectively by my brother. Raila was not just my brother; he was my confidant and my friend, and we lived together as twins for 80 years. Now he has left me, and I find myself carrying the yoke of ODM party leader. I am not afraid to tell you that I will not be shaken. I am going to sit on the position squarely. Anybody who thinks that Oburu is about to die, that he is going soon, is seriously mistaken. I am the same as US President Donald Trump. We are both 82 years old,” he said.
Oburu praised Raila for leaving the party under a broad-based arrangement, describing it as the best decision for ODM’s future.
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He emphasised that the party must now move forward with unity and determination to secure victory in the 2027 elections.
“Our people will not go to the opposition again. Our people have suffered in the opposition far too long. We are going to fight for it. We will not ask for favours. We will earn it by being in our party,” he added.
During the event, Oburu nearly forgot to welcome President William Ruto and had to be reminded, noting that he thought MP Junet Mohammed—whom he said he has inherited politically after Raila’s death—would handle the protocol.
Source: Facebook
Are ODM insiders plotting to ‘auction’ the party?
Meanwhile, ODM has been grappling with internal divisions as leaders take differing stances ahead of the 2027 polls.
ODM’s secretary general Edwin Sifuna and other officials pledged loyalty to the party principals and Raila’s last directive of supporting the broad-based arrangement until 2027.
However, some deputy party leaders, including governors Abdulswamad Nassir and Simba Arati, expressed conditional support for Ruto, insisting that ODM must either be in government or form the government itself.
Amid these tensions, claims have surfaced that certain insiders are plotting to ‘auction’ the party to Ruto and retired president Uhuru Kenyatta, further fueling uncertainty within ODM.
Is ODM enjoying being in government?
Meanwhile, while speaking at St. Peters Nyamira ACK Church, Oburu emphasised that ODM’s current position in government is not a result of direct electoral support for Ruto but rather a negotiated arrangement.
He noted that the party’s involvement is anchored in a broad-based framework built around a ten-point agenda.
According to him, ODM’s participation is driven by the pursuit of reforms and strategic interests rather than political convenience.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
