In a symbolic and emotionally charged gathering just days after the burial of their longtime leader Raila Amolo Odinga, top Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials from across the Nyanza region met in Bondo on Friday to chart the party’s future and, in a surprise show of unity, pledged loyalty to President William Ruto’s broad-based government.

The meeting, held under the banner of solidarity and political realignment, brought together ODM delegates from the grassroots level to county governors, all united by a single goal: to preserve the party’s influence in Kenya’s evolving political landscape after the passing of its founding leader.

The gathering, chaired by Dr. Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother and now the interim ODM leader, resolved to maintain ODM’s presence in Ruto’s government a decision they said honors Raila’s final political directive before his death. The move signals a strategic shift for the party, long known for its opposition stance, and may reshape Kenya’s political balance heading into the 2027 general elections.

“We are not here to divide the Luo nation,” Oburu told delegates during his keynote address. “We are here to unite Kenya. Baba always told us that leadership is about bringing people together, not tearing them apart. This is our moment to prove that.”

The meeting, held at Raila’s Bondo residence, was described by insiders as both a mourning session and a strategy convention, blending grief with political pragmatism.

Unity After Transition

Rosa Buyu, the Kisumu West MP, delivered a moving reflection on Raila’s leadership legacy and urged party members to follow his last wishes without hesitation.

“We always told Baba that if he said go left, we go left; if he said right, we go right,” Buyu said, drawing applause from the crowd. “He showed us the path to work with the government for the sake of peace and progress. That is what we will continue doing.”

Other speakers echoed her sentiments, emphasizing continuity, loyalty, and reform within ODM rather than a total reinvention.

Otiende Amollo, the Rarieda MP, declared that the party’s elected leaders and elders had unanimously endorsed Dr. Oburu Odinga to serve as official party leader, pending formal ratification by the ODM National Executive Council (NEC).

“We, the MPs, governors, MCAs, and elders, have today endorsed Oburu Odinga as the interim party leader awaiting the final confirmation,” Amollo said, noting that the transition would be “guided by dignity and democracy.”

Peter Kaluma, Homa Bay Town MP, reaffirmed ODM’s independence despite its collaboration with the ruling coalition:

“ODM will remain a distinct party, strong in its vision and values. Working with the government does not mean losing our identity. It means serving Kenyans better.”

Endorsement of Unity and Stability

Senator Tom Ojienda of Kisumu called for unity under Oburu’s leadership, warning against factionalism at a delicate time for the party.

“SR Oburu, unite us. Do not scatter us,” Ojienda appealed. “We have walked together through storms; let us remain together now.”

Among those in attendance were Siaya Governor James Orengo and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as ODM’s national chairperson. Both leaders expressed commitment to stabilizing the party’s internal structures and preparing for a smooth transition.

Orengo described the meeting as “a renewal of faith in Raila’s ideals,” while Wanga urged the younger generation to “carry forward ODM’s mission of justice, equity, and national unity.”

The session also addressed concerns over internal divisions that have recently emerged within ODM, especially among members uncertain about the party’s relationship with Ruto’s administration. However, delegates resolved to maintain calm and avoid premature political contests ahead of 2027.

“This is not the time to fight over positions or alliances,” Wanga said. “This is the time to rebuild trust, re-energize our base, and honor Baba’s legacy with discipline and humility.”

Political Significance

The Bondo meeting marks a critical turning point in ODM’s history. It signals the start of a post-Raila era and a possible realignment in Kenyan politics, where loyalty to national stability may take precedence over opposition politics.

Political analysts view the ODM-Nyanza resolution as a strategic adaptation to Kenya’s shifting power dynamics under Ruto’s presidency. Some see it as a move to protect regional interests and secure development gains, while others interpret it as an early gesture of reconciliation and political survival.

For now, the delegates appear united under Oburu’s interim stewardship, expressing confidence that ODM will endure as a symbol of progressive politics and reformist ideals.

As the sun set over Bondo, delegates sang “Baba Yetu Raila,” their voices blending nostalgia with resilience a reminder that while Raila Odinga may be gone, the movement he built still beats at the heart of Kenya’s democracy.