Facing growing internal rebellion barely a month after Raila Odinga’s death, the new Orange Democratic Movement party leader Oburu Oginga has moved quickly to surround himself with a tight circle of loyalists drawn from Cabinet, county bosses and family members.
The 82-year-old senator’s rapid consolidation of power comes as younger party figures openly challenge the manner in which he was installed, demanding a full National Delegates Convention to elect new officials.
Succession crisis erupts
Raila Odinga died on 15 October, leaving the party he founded in 2005 without its charismatic anchor. Within 24 hours, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir had proposed Oburu’s name at an emergency National Executive Council meeting. The National Governing Council later confirmed the appointment.
Several party members who sat in those meetings are now leading the revolt. East African Legislative Assembly member Winnie Odinga, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino insist the party constitution requires direct elections through a delegates convention.
The inner circle takes shape
Oburu has responded by building a formidable defence team. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, governors Nassir (Mombasa), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Simba Arati (Kisii) form the core. Nassir and Arati are co-deputy party leaders while Wanga is national chairperson.
Also inside the circle are National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga – Oburu’s sister – and his son Elijah Oburu, who now serves as an official aide.
“Some of the people raising issues now were in the same room when these decisions were made,” Nassir told journalists. “We will not allow anyone to rock the party from within. We know they are being used to break ODM.”
Temporary leader with no illusions
Oburu has repeatedly described himself as a transitional figure. He likens leadership emergence to mushrooms sprouting after rain, noting that even Raila was never formally elected by the Luo community.
The veteran politician has ruled himself out of long-term succession, citing age, and pointed to Wandayi, Wanga and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi as the younger leaders best placed to inherit the mantle. This effectively sidelines himself alongside other elders including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Public clashes at anniversary celebrations
Tensions spilled into the open during Orange Democratic Movement 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa earlier this month.
Winnie Odinga questioned whether the current leadership could handle the party’s delicate power-sharing arrangement with President William Ruto government. “This relationship is complicated,” she said. “Are those managing it now capable?”
On the same stage, Babu Owino declared himself ready to take over from Oburu.
Broader political stakes
The internal fight plays out against the backdrop of ODM continued participation in the broad-based government formed after Raila’s narrow loss in the 2022 presidential election. Several party members, including Wandayi and Mbadi, hold senior Cabinet positions.
Oburu has brushed aside suggestions that the partnership is collapsing, insisting ODM will contest the 2027 elections either alone or in coalition.
Pressure mounts from grassroots
Calls for a delegates convention show no sign of fading. A section of life members has formally petitioned for Oburu to step aside, while social media platforms have become arenas for fierce loyalty battles.
Some activists defend the new leader vigorously; others openly predict the party will fracture without Raila as its binding force.
With dozens of parliamentary seats, several key governors and a network built over two decades, Orange Democratic Movement remains a major player in Kenyan politics. Whether Oburu’s quiet fortifications can withstand the mounting demands for internal democracy will shape the party’s future in the post-Raila era.
