The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as its acting party leader, following the death of his younger brother and party founder, Raila Amolo Odinga.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) held early Thursday morning in Nairobi, less than 24 hours after Raila’s death was confirmed.

In a statement issued shortly after the meeting, the NEC said the move was unanimous and intended to ensure stability and continuity within the party as the nation mourns the loss of one of its most influential political figures.

“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,” the statement read.

Continuity in Uncertain Times

Dr. Oburu Oginga, 82, now steps into a role his brother held for over two decades a role that shaped the course of Kenya’s opposition politics and cemented ODM as a dominant political force.

The elder Oginga, known for his calm demeanour and deep experience in governance, is expected to steer the party through one of its most turbulent periods in history the transition following the death of its founding leader.

Sources within the party said the decision was made both out of necessity and symbolism. As the eldest surviving member of the Odinga family, Oburu represents continuity and unity at a time when ODM supporters are reeling from grief.

Party insiders revealed that discussions were emotional but resolute. The NEC reportedly agreed that the movement Raila built must not falter in his absence.

“Dr. Oburu has been with Raila through every political battle since the early 1980s. He understands the party’s heartbeat, its networks, and the people’s aspirations,” said one official who attended the closed-door meeting.

Raila’s Legacy Looms Large

Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, in the Indian city of Kochi, leaves behind a towering legacy in Kenya’s political landscape.

For more than four decades, he was at the forefront of Kenya’s struggle for democracy, justice, and inclusive governance. From detention during the Moi era to his leadership in the push for multiparty democracy and constitutional reform, Raila’s name became synonymous with political resilience and reform.

His death has left a vacuum not only in ODM but across the entire political spectrum. Leaders from both government and opposition have described his passing as a national tragedy.

President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning, directing that the Kenyan flag be flown at half-mast across the country and in all Kenyan embassies abroad.

“Raila Odinga’s life was a story of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to the ideals of democracy. His contribution to Kenya will remain indelible,” President Ruto said during a televised address on Wednesday evening.

State Funeral Plans Underway

Odinga’s body is expected to arrive in the country on Thursday morning aboard a Kenya Airways flight from India. The plane will be received by President Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and members of the Odinga family at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The body will then be taken to the Lee Funeral Home before being moved to Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, where the public will have the opportunity to view the remains of the late leader from noon to 5 p.m.

A State Funeral service will be held on Friday at Nyayo National Stadium, where thousands of mourners, foreign dignitaries, and heads of state are expected to attend.

After the ceremony, the body will rest overnight at Raila’s Karen home before being flown to Kisumu on Saturday for a public viewing at Moi Stadium.

From Kisumu, the casket will travel by road to Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight stay ahead of the burial on Sunday, October 19.

According to Deputy President Kindiki, the burial will take place in accordance with Raila’s personal wishes that he be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death.

ODM Faces a Defining Moment

As ODM adjusts to life without its founding leader, analysts say Oburu Oginga’s appointment signals a transitional phase that could reshape the party’s future.

While Oburu’s appointment is interim, the NEC is expected to reconvene after the State Funeral to decide on long-term leadership and the party’s direction.

ODM’s Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna described the moment as “the most difficult in the party’s history,” adding that the leadership’s immediate focus is unity and respect for Raila’s legacy.

“We will honour Baba by keeping the movement alive,” Sifuna said. “This is not the end of ODM; it’s the beginning of a new chapter in the story he wrote with his life.”

As the country prepares to bid farewell to one of its most transformative leaders, the Odinga family once again finds itself at the centre of national attention both as mourners and as custodians of a political legacy that has defined Kenya for generations.

For many Kenyans, the appointment of Oburu Oginga is more than a political decision. It is a symbolic passing of the torch, ensuring that the ideals Raila Odinga fought for continue to guide ODM and the nation he so deeply loved.