ODM Officially Elects Oburu Odinga as Party Leader at SDC

ODM Officially Elects Oburu Odinga as Party Leader at SDC

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally elected Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as its party leader, ending months of uncertainty following his tenure in an acting capacity.

The decision was ratified on Friday, March 27, during the party’s Special Delegates Conference (SDC) held at the ASK Grounds Jamhuri Park, where delegates from across the country gathered to chart ODM’s future amid internal divisions and a shifting political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Oburu had served as interim leader for approximately five months, overseeing party operations after a period of transition that followed the death of longtime leader Raila Odinga in October 2025. His confirmation signals an attempt by the party to stabilise its leadership structure after months of factional contestation.

Presiding over the proceedings, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed formally put the motion to the delegates, who overwhelmingly endorsed Oburu’s leadership through a voice vote.

“Now that we have a proposer and a seconder. Let me ask the question. As many of that opinion say ‘Aye’ and as many of the contrary opinion say ‘No’, the Ayes have it. Now Senator Oburu Oginga is the party leader of ODM,” Junet declared to applause from the assembly.

The conference brought together senior party officials, elected leaders, grassroots representatives, and allied groups, serving as a platform not only to confirm leadership but also to outline the party’s strategy for upcoming national contests.

Delegates expressed confidence that Oburu’s long political experience would help preserve party unity and maintain ODM’s influence in national politics, particularly as rival factions continue to challenge the legitimacy of some leadership decisions.

In addition to electing the party leader, the SDC approved a new team of deputy party leaders. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir and Kisii Governor Simba Arati were endorsed to serve in the deputy roles, reflecting an effort to balance regional representation within the party’s top hierarchy.

The approvals come amid ongoing political realignments, including the recent association of Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi with a breakaway faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

The conference also ratified Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as the party’s National Chairperson, elevating one of ODM’s most prominent female leaders to a central organisational role.

She will be deputised by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Turkana South MP John Ariko Namoit, whose appointments were also endorsed by delegates during the session.

Political analysts say the comprehensive restructuring of the party’s leadership is aimed at consolidating authority and projecting unity after months of internal friction that threatened to weaken ODM’s national standing.

Security at the venue was tight but orderly, with large crowds gathering to witness what many supporters described as a historic transition for the party that has dominated opposition politics for nearly two decades.

Observers note that Oburu’s leadership will be tested immediately, as he must navigate competing factions, maintain grassroots support, and position ODM effectively for coalition negotiations ahead of the next general election.

While the Special Delegates Conference concluded with visible enthusiasm among supporters, questions remain about whether the new leadership team can bridge divisions within the party and restore cohesion following the loss of its longtime figurehead.

Nonetheless, ODM officials expressed optimism that the ratified leadership structure provides a clear roadmap for rebuilding the party and strengthening its role in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

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ODM Officially Elects Oburu Odinga as Party Leader at SDC