By TWV Reporter
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Committee (NEC) has designated the late Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, as Acting Party Leader. The move aims to avoid the creation of a leadership vacuum following Raila’s death at an Indian hospital on Wednesday, 15th October.
The decision, reached during a NEC meeting held on Thursday, 16th October, is also viewed as an effort to maintain stability within the party and to forestall an early succession battle that could have arisen had the party selected one of Raila’s three deputies, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, or Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, to hold fort in the interim.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) met this morning and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator for Siaya County, Dr Oburu Oginga, as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately,” ODM announced in a statement posted on its official X account.
Party sources revealed that Dr Oginga’s appointment was widely supported by members as a unifying gesture, given his long association with the party and his close relationship with the late Raila. ODM officials said he would provide symbolic leadership as the party organises a formal transition process in line with its constitution.
The NEC meeting also resolved to establish a special committee to oversee party operations during the mourning period, including coordination with the national funeral committee and communication with grassroots branches.
Raila’s body arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday morning aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Mumbai. The flight was redesignated RAO0001 upon entry into Kenyan airspace in honour of the fallen former Prime Minister, who was also the long-serving ODM leader since the party’s formation in 2005.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared Friday, 17th October, a public holiday to allow members of the public to view Raila’s body. “In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, 17th October 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the former Prime Minister, Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga,” Murkomen announced in a special edition of the Kenya Gazette notice.
Raila is set to be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours at his Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County, in accordance with his will, which stipulates that he be buried within three days of his death.
A national funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Dr Oginga, has been tasked by President William Ruto with planning and coordinating the funeral arrangements.
The committee will work closely with the Odinga family, ODM officials, and Siaya County authorities to ensure a dignified send-off befitting his stature as a national leader.
