Oburu Oginga Odinga Named Acting ODM Party Leader
The decision was made during an early morning National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting
Marvin Chege 
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has named Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga Odinga as its interim party leader following the death of his brother, Raila Odinga.
The decision was made during an early morning National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and takes effect immediately, as Raila’s body arrived at JKIA on Thursday morning, October 16.
"The National Executive Committee (NEC) has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator of Siaya County Dr. Oburu Oginga as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately," the statement read in part.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga at his brother Raila Odinga's Karen residence on Wednesday, October 15 2025. /PCS
After the meeting, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir announced that the ODM party had opened condolence books in all its offices nationwide, allowing the public to pay tribute to its late party leader.
He also invited Kenyans to attend the public viewing of Raila Odinga’s body, which will lie in state at the Parliament Buildings from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Nassir emphasized that despite the loss of its founder and longtime leader, the party remains committed to upholding its mission and values.
"ODM remains united just like it was during the Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga's time. We believe in unity of purpose, a stronger democratic party, and a party that must live on for many years to come," Governor Nassir said.
"For this regard, the NEC has designated the Senator of Siaya County, Hon. Dr. Oburu Odinga, to be the acting party leader, until the time that the top party organs meet and elect a substantive party leader to fill the big shoes that have been left by our leader."
Oburu Recounts Last Moments With Raila
Meanwhile, Oburu gave an emotional account of his final moments with the ODM leader on Wednesday night, October 15, addressing growing speculation that the family had withheld details about Raila’s health while he was receiving treatment in India.
During a State Funeral Committee briefing, a visibly shaken Oburu refuted the rumours, stating that Raila had appeared to be in good health only hours before his passing.
He explained that his earlier statements about Raila’s recovery were based on accurate medical updates, not an effort to conceal information from the public.
“As I had told you before, I informed you that he was well and kicking about and that he would soon be back in the country. That was not a lie; it was the truth,” Oburu said, his voice trembling as he recounted their final conversation.
He shared that they had spoken the previous night and that Raila had sounded energetic and in good spirits. “He was very well until last night; I spoke to him. He was vibrant, up and kicking,” Oburu recalled, adding that nothing in their exchange hinted at any looming health issues.
Oburu said the sudden loss had come as a complete shock to the family, explaining that doctors suspected a heart attack as the cause. “It is only unfortunate this morning that he suffered shock, which is suspected after the post-mortem to be a heart attack,” he stated.
These remarks came amid online speculation from Kenyans questioning the circumstances of Raila’s death, which was first reported by Indian media outlets.
According to reports from India, Raila collapsed within the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Center compound and was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was later pronounced dead.
Before news of his passing, Oburu had confirmed Raila’s visit to India on October 10, saying he was recovering from a minor illness that had prompted him to seek treatment abroad.
