As Kenya comes to terms with the passing of Raila Odinga —the man who personified opposition politics for nearly five decades—the ODM party has turned to his elder brother, Dr Oburu Oginga, to steer the Orange ship through mourning and transition.
The decision was announced on Thursday by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Nairobi, which convened to mourn the fallen leader and chart the party’s immediate course amid national grief.
Dr Oginga, who turned 82 on the same day his younger brother died, will steer the party until ODM’s top organs convene to elect a substantive leader.
Dr Oburu Oginga during a past event.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The NEC said the move was guided by the need for continuity, unity, and stability during what it described as “the most painful moment in the party’s history”.
“We believe in unity of purpose, a stronger democratic party and a party that must live on for many years to come,” the NEC said in a statement read after the meeting.
“With this regard, the NEC has designated the Senator of Siaya County, Hon. Dr. Oburu Oginga, to be the acting party leader until the top party organs elect a substantive leader to fit in the big shoes left by our departed leader,” said ODM co-deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir.
The meeting, attended by ODM’s top brass, including co-deputy party leaders Godfrey Osotsi and Simba Arati, as well as national chairperson Gladys Wanga, was as much a moment of grief as it was of resolve.
The leaders described Mr Odinga as “a beacon of peace, the embodiment of truth, a champion of democracy, a lover of human dignity, a champion of women and youth empowerment, a selfless leader, and the father of devolution.”
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga (left) and his brother Oburu Oginga. Mr Oginga is Siaya Senator.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Across the country, flags at ODM offices and other government installations flew at half-mast.
The NEC urged members and supporters to channel their grief into honouring Mr Odinga’s legacy and not to engage in disruptive behaviour.
“Kenya, Africa and the world are mourning,” the statement read. “We mourn the passing of a towering giant who spent his youth and adult life fighting for the rights of the people, hence the freedoms we all enjoy.”
The NEC confirmed that funeral arrangements are being coordinated by a national committee chaired by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki—a reflection of the cross-political respect Mr Odinga commanded.
“In honour of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga’s extraordinary contribution to our nation, I have declared a 7-day period of national mourning , during which the National Flag shall fly at half-mast across the Republic of Kenya and in all our missions abroad.”
“As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days to join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection. Our former prime minister, Raila Amolo Odinga, shall be accorded a state funeral with all attendant honours,” President Ruto announced.
In accordance with Mr Odinga’s personal wish, the ODM NEC announced that he would be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death . His burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.
“We shall strictly observe the programme to the latter until the day of his burial,” the NEC said.
Mr Odinga’s body will lie in state at the Parliament Buildings from 12pm to 5pm for public viewing on Thursday—a moment expected to draw thousands of mourners, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens. However, the government on Thursday announced that the public viewing has been moved to Kasarani.
ODM also announced that condolence books had been opened in all its offices across the country to allow members, supporters, and the general public to pay their respects.
Dr Oginga, an economist and seasoned politician, is part of a political lineage that traces its roots to Kenya’s independence struggle.
His father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was Kenya’s first Vice President and the founding father of opposition politics, while Mr Odinga carried the torch through multi-party agitation, reform campaigns, and five presidential runs.
In entrusting Dr Oginga with the reins, the party appeared to seek a symbolic bridge between its past and its uncertain future.
On Wednesday, ODM party urged unity among its members as world mourns its leader Mr Odinga.
In a statement, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said the party and the country is in deep shock following the news of Mr Odinga’s demise.
“While we process this adverse news and await further updates, I urge all party members to observe the tenets of unity and rally together as we reflect on the life and times of our leader, a man who has been a mentor and father to all, hence the moniker, ‘Baba’,” Mr Sifuna wrote.
“The Rt Hon Odinga was a beacon of hope in a world filled with despair,” the ODM spokesperson added.
Mr Sifuna described Mr Odinga as a leading political figure whose career spanned more than three decades.
He said the ODM party leader had nurtured democratic ideals and mentored generations of leaders, leaving a lasting imprint on Kenya’s political landscape.
“He will remain a true giant of our nation and a darling in the hearts of Kenyans, for his unwavering fight for justice and firm stand on freedom for all,” said Mr Sifuna.
