By Anderson Ojwang
The famous proverb, better late than never, aptly captures the moment the current Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Dr Oburu Odinga, finds himself in.
For Dr Oburu, it is a dream come true that has transformed him from a backbencher into the new Sheriff in town and one of the most powerful figures in Kenya today.
After decades of living in obscurity, away from the trappings of power and playing second fiddle to his younger brother, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, the Siaya Senator only tasted and smelt power from a distance.
For Oburu, despite the trappings of power residing at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s home, he only smelt it from a distance at his brother’s parlour.
While Raila enjoyed the trappings of power both locally and internationally, Oburu struggled to carve himself a niche but gradually fell down the pecking order, even as new entrants found their way into politics and overtook him.
Dr Oburu has finally walked out of the shadows of his younger brother, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, the enigma of Kenyan politics, to become the Sheriff.
Dr Oburu is fitting perfectly into Raila’s footsteps and, yesterday, in what can be seen as a sign of his growing political clout and significance in the broad-based government arrangement, he was visited by a delegation of Principal Secretaries — a move that speaks volumes.
During his lifetime at his Capitol Hill office, Raila used to receive delegations one after another from top government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, with the queue seemingly unending.
Oburu, currently the ODM lead representative in the broad-based government arrangement just like his younger brother, has now started receiving senior government delegations.
The delegations that had earlier visited Dr Oburu to pay condolences to the family following the deaths of Raila and Beryl Odinga were just the tip of the iceberg, signalling Oburu’s emerging influence and how delegations may soon snake to his office.
Dr Oburu wrote on his X handle:
“Principal Secretaries Pay Courtesy Call on Hon. Sen. Dr Oburu Oginga, EGH, MP, ODM Party Leader
This morning, I received a delegation of Principal Secretaries who paid a courtesy call at my office in my capacity as the ODM Party Leader.
The delegation expressed solidarity with the Odinga family following the recent passing of Baba, Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH, and Beryl Odinga.
The delegation also joined our family in commemorating Baba’s 81st birthday, a moment of reflection and remembrance.
I sincerely thanked the Principal Secretaries for their thoughtful gesture and used the opportunity to offer counsel on the importance of diligence, accountability and effective service delivery in the execution of their respective mandates, in service to the people of Kenya.
Present were:
Dr Ouma Oluga — Principal Secretary, Health
Judy Pareno — Principal Secretary, Justice, Human Rights & Constitutional Affairs
Stephen Isaboke, EBS — Principal Secretary, Broadcasting & Telecommunications
Carren Agengo — Principal Secretary, Children Services
Dr Caroline Karugu — Principal Secretary, East African Community
Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak — Principal Secretary, Science, Research and Innovation
Cyrell Odede — Principal Secretary, Public Investment
Aden Millah — Principal Secretary, Maritime Affairs
Michael Lenasalon — Principal Secretary, Devolution
Dr Bonface Makokha — Principal Secretary, Economic Planning
Regina Ombam — Principal Secretary, Trade.”
On Wednesday, the ODM Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, who has been at the centre of a storm over an alleged plot to kick him out of the party, visited Oburu, who declared confidence in him.
On Thursday, the party’s Director of Elections, Junet Mohammed, leading the faction that wants Sifuna disciplined, also visited Oburu.
Sifuna recently accused Junet of having misappropriated the 2022 presidential campaign funds meant for agents, an act he claimed cost Raila the presidency.
Junet denied the allegations and instead blamed former President Uhuru Kenyatta for disbursing the funds to his brother, Muhoho Kenyatta.
Oburu has undergone a complete transformation and is currently clad in designer outfits and frequently uses helicopters to attend functions and parties that were previously the preserve of Raila.
At present, Oburu is the centre of attraction and the focal point of political activity, as he enjoys the ear and confidence of President William Ruto.
In him, President Ruto hopes that, for a second time, he will deliver the Luo vote in 2027, after successfully ushering his younger brother, Raila, into the broad-based government arrangement.
Oburu has firmly settled into the party leadership position and is not ready to relinquish the post any time soon.
“I am not going to be shaken and will sit squarely in the seat of the ODM party leader.
Anybody who thinks that Oburu Odinga is about to die or that Oburu Odinga is leaving soon is seriously mistaken.
I am the same age as Trump, the President of the USA. Trump is also 82 years of age, just like me,”he said.
