ODM Endorses Dr. Oburu Odinga as Ag. Party Leader, Pledges to Uphold Raila’s Legacy
Addressing the media after the meeting, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna led the party in an emotional statement — the first official communication since the death of ODM’s founding leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
“This is a sombre day for the Orange family. We convey our condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, to Rosemary, Junior, Winnie, and the entire Odinga family led by our Acting Party Leader, Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga,” said Sifuna.
He thanked President William Ruto, members of the Cabinet, and the Government of Kenya for the support extended to the ODM family during Raila’s state funeral, describing it as a “send-off befitting a true global statesman.”
Honoring Raila’s Legacy
Sifuna noted that ODM’s upcoming 20th Anniversary Celebrations, scheduled for November 14–16, 2025, in Mombasa, will now take on a deeper meaning — serving both as a milestone for the party and a tribute to the life and legacy of the late Raila Odinga.
“The longevity of this party is a reflection of Raila Odinga’s consistency and courage. He was a liberation icon who never wavered and never surrendered,” said Sifuna.
He described Raila as both a revolutionary and a peacemaker, whose legacy of unity, democracy, and sacrifice for the nation would continue to guide the movement.“Every major milestone in Kenya’s political evolution bears his fingerprints. Even in disagreement, Baba always chose peace over chaos,” Sifuna said.
Key Resolutions
During the meeting, the ODM Central Management Committee made several key resolutions, including the endorsement of Dr. Oburu Oginga as the new ODM Party Leader, with members urged to give him full support and cooperation. The committee also expressed deep gratitude to the people and Government of Kenya for their support and solidarity following Raila’s passing.
ODM further announced national memorial services to celebrate Raila’s life, to be held in Magarini (Kilifi County) on November 2–3, and in Homa Bay and Migori counties on November 5–6, 2025. The party reaffirmed that the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa will proceed as planned, accompanied by activities aimed at strengthening unity and solidarity within the party.
The party pledged to uphold Raila’s ideals of democracy, justice, inclusion, and equality, describing ODM as “a covenant, not just a political party.” Sifuna emphasized that ODM will not allow internal wrangles to disrupt its unity, urging members to honor Raila’s vision by focusing on service, discipline, and solidarity.
“Let us not scatter in despair or fight over his political inheritance. Raila’s true legacy is not a name or a position, but a mission — to build a Kenya that works for all its children,” he said.
ODM also reaffirmed its commitment to remain in the Broad-Based Government until 2027, in line with the ten-point agenda agreed upon for peace and national stability.
Appeal for Political Party Funding
The Secretary General appealed to the national government to release funds owed to ODM under the Political Parties Fund, saying it would be the most fitting way to honor Raila’s lifelong fight for democracy and institutional independence.“Baba fought tirelessly for political party funding as a safeguard against state interference. Releasing what is owed to ODM will help secure his legacy,” Sifuna stated.
Concluding the statement, ODM reaffirmed its unity and commitment to carry forward Raila Odinga’s vision for a just and equitable Kenya.
“Rest in peace, Party Leader, People’s President, and Comrade — Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. Your dream lives on,” the statement read.
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