Leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have issued a strong warning to younger politicians seeking to position themselves as successors to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, insisting that there is no leadership vacuum in the Luo community or within the ODM party.
During a meeting at Opoda Farm in Bondo, the Odinga family home, senior ODM leaders gathered to honor the former Prime Minister and long-serving party leader, while also calling for unity and restraint amid growing signs of internal jostling over who should take over Raila’s political mantle.
ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga emphasized that the community must resist the temptation of premature succession battles, describing them as divisive and unnecessary at a time of mourning and transition.
“There is no vacuum in the leadership of Luo Nyanza,” Governor Wanga said. “Dr. Oburu Oginga has already taken up the party leadership and will guide both the ODM family and the Luo community. What we need now is unity, not political contests.”
Wanga said the party’s focus remains on strengthening ODM’s structures nationwide and continuing Raila Odinga’s legacy of peace, democracy, and social justice.
The meeting came amid whispers of rivalry among younger ODM politicians, some of whom have been accused of campaigning quietly to succeed Raila as the “Luo political kingpin.”
Without naming names, Ruaraka MP T.J. Kajwang’ warned against youthful leaders using the transition period to advance personal ambitions — a statement widely interpreted as being directed at Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has openly called for generational change in ODM’s leadership.
“Our father Raila has left us in good hands,” Kajwang’ said. “We still have elders like Dr. Oburu Oginga and the Luo Council of Elders to guide us. Let no one divide our people for selfish gain.”
Kajwang’ urged party members to focus on preserving Raila’s unifying legacy rather than engaging in supremacy battles that could fracture the community’s political influence.
Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother and longtime political confidant, recently assumed ODM’s top leadership role, serving as interim party leader as the party prepares for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) expected early next year.
Party insiders say Dr. Oburu will guide the ODM family through a structured transition process, ensuring continuity in the party’s leadership, ideology, and political alliances.
“The people of Luo Nyanza have not been orphaned,” said Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’. “We still have a father full of wisdom and experience — Dr. Oburu. He will steer the ship safely as we continue to honor Raila’s vision.”
Migori County MP Fatuma Mohamed cautioned that reckless infighting could destroy the unity Raila Odinga worked for over six decades to build.
“ODM remained strong because Baba kept us united,” she said. “If we start fighting over positions, we will betray everything he stood for. Let us rally behind Dr. Oburu and protect our house.”
Similarly, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu reminded delegates that the world is watching how the Luo community and ODM handle this moment in history.
“Our late leader was a global figure who taught us the value of togetherness. How we transition now will define our strength as a community and as a political movement,” Buyu said.
Raila Odinga, who passed away earlier this month after a brief illness, was not only ODM’s founding leader but also the face of Kenya’s pro-democracy struggle for more than 40 years.
His influence stretched far beyond the Luo community, shaping Kenya’s multiparty politics and leaving behind an unmatched political legacy.
Analysts say ODM now faces its most significant leadership test since its formation in 2005, as it seeks to balance generational renewal with the need for cohesion and continuity.
Political observers note that Oburu’s leadership may serve as a transitional bridge, allowing ODM to re-organize before holding its next party elections and potentially grooming the next generation of leaders to carry Raila’s vision forward.
The ODM party has announced plans for nationwide consultative forums to engage supporters on the future of the movement. These discussions are expected to focus on policy continuity, alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, and strategies for strengthening party structures in counties across Nyanza and beyond.
For now, the message from ODM’s senior leadership remains clear — unity over ambition, and legacy over rivalry.
“Raila’s dream for Kenya lives on,” said Governor Wanga. “Our duty is to protect that dream together, as one family.”
