ODM's Central Management Committee has endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the party's new national leader following Raila Odinga's death. The Nairobi meeting on October 27, 2025, solidified his interim role and called for unity. The party also demands government funds and plans memorials for Raila alongside its 20th anniversary.
Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, Raila Odinga's elder brother, was appointed interim leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) one day after Raila's death on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India. On October 27, 2025, the party's Central Management Committee (CMC) held a four-hour meeting at Dusit complex in Nairobi, formally endorsing him as the new national leader.
Secretary General Edwin Sifuna stated: “In this first meeting of the committee since the death of the party leader, the national organ has endorsed Hon. Dr. Oburu Oginga as the new leader of ODM. The CMC calls on ODM officials and members to support and collaborate with him to enable him to lead the party during this difficult time.” The meeting, chaired by the 82-year-old Oburu, reinforced party unity and condemned media reports of ODM's potential split.
ODM has demanded the release of Ksh 12.6 billion from the National Treasury under the Political Parties Fund, delayed for several years. The party's statement read: “The government has failed to release monies owed to ODM. We are demanding that the funds be released as required by law and in honour of the departed comrade Raila Odinga.”
The party plans nationwide memorials for Raila, starting in Kilifi on November 2-3, followed by Homa Bay and Migori on November 5-6. ODM's 20th anniversary celebrations will occur in Mombasa on November 15-16, highlighting Raila's contributions. Internal tensions persist, with rebels including Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Caleb Amisi opposing alliance with President William Ruto's administration. However, Oburu supports the broad-based government, and the meeting outlined preparations for by-elections and 2027. A national delegates' congress is scheduled for March 2026 to elect leaders.