By Anderson Ojwang
Could former ODM leader, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, be restless in his grave? And did his closest political allies betray him in death through the party’s recent re-organization?
These are some of the unsettling questions emerging a month after his burial, as developments in ODM appear to contradict the transition path Raila had himself set while still alive.
In October 2024, Raila broke the intense lobbying for control of the party by appointing Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o as the acting party leader during his AU Commission chairperson campaign.
This decision shocked many, especially Siaya Governor James Orengo, who had campaigned intensely for the role but was bypassed when Raila instead named Nyong’o.
Interestingly, had Raila won the AU seat and later died while in office, Nyong’o would have automatically led ODM — making the transition smooth. But in Raila’s death, the party leadership appears to have moved in a different direction altogether.
Why Nyong’o Was Raila’s Preferred Choice
During the Mombasa announcement, Raila emphasized that Nyong’o had been instrumental in grounding the party ideologically for over 20 years.
“Today, in line with a recent decision of the Central Committee, I formally task our founding Secretary General, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, to step in and provide leadership to our great party to enable me immerse myself fully into the final and more intricate phase of my campaign for chairmanship of the African Union Commission,” Raila said then.
He praised Nyong’o as central in giving ODM direction and ideological clarity since inception.
“We are therefore assured of ideological continuity and clarity that have been the hallmarks of our party,” Raila insisted.
This raises a key question:
Did ODM’s Central Committee betray Raila by appointing his elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, as acting party leader despite Raila having publicly shown his preferred successor?
Why did the Central Committee rush to appoint—and later lead the Governing Council to confirm—Dr. Oburu without considering Raila’s own criteria for interim party leadership? Was this a politically calculated move to protect certain interests in Raila’s absence?
How Oburu Was Appointed — Even He Was Shocked
Dr. Oburu, speaking candidly, said he did not seek the position and was shocked to learn about it from Suna East MP Junet Mohamed while waiting at the airport for Raila’s body arriving from India.
Oburu said Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir proposed his name — and he accepted.
“I want to thank my party ODM for making me the acting party leader. I will take that mantle with vigour and I will not disappoint, even though Raila’s shoes are too big,” Oburu said.
“It is my brother, the Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who proposed me. I didn’t apply to be party leader. I was surprised when you people made me party leader. Now I hear there is bickering that I do not fit the bill — but Oburu is capable,” he added.
Rising Tensions: Other Claimants Emerge
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has publicly expressed interest in the ODM party leader seat.
Winnie Odinga, Raila’s niece, has called for an NDC to elect a new team to negotiate the broad-based governance arrangement with President Ruto’s administration.
Fresh confusion erupted when a group of ODM life members, led by Rachael Tabitha, filed a petition demanding Oburu’s resignation.
Dated November 18, 2025, the petition accused Oburu of violating the ODM Constitution, undermining internal democracy, and sidelining long-serving members.
“It is deeply inappropriate for some leaders to speak with pride and boldly declare that they are legitimately in office, while Article 6.2.2(b) of the party constitution has been blatantly violated,” the petition stated.
The life members issued three demands:
- Immediate resignation of Oburu from all party leadership positions.
- An urgent National Delegates Convention to resolve what they call a governance crisis.
- Full recognition of the rights of life members in party decision-making.
They gave the NEB a 30-day ultimatum, threatening mass resignation in honour of Raila’s legacy should the demands not be met.
Oburu’s Defenders Hit Back
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor strongly defended Oburu, calling him the most suitable leader at this time.
“We will defend our party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga. If push comes to shove, we will discipline those against him,” Aduma said.
The Big Question: Was Raila Betrayed?
Why did ODM ignore Anyang’ Nyong’o, whom Raila had publicly appointed as acting party leader?
Did the party abandon Raila’s wishes once he was no longer alive to enforce them?
And is this reshuffle a genuine transition — or a consolidation of power by factions seeking influence in a Raila-less political landscape?
As ODM battles internal storms, the question lingers:
Did Raila’s own party betray the succession plan he left behind?
