Oburu Oginga Builds Key Team to Counter ODM Rival Faction

Dr Oburu Oginga is moving to strengthen his position as ODM leader as internal criticism continues to surface.

His appointment, made after the death of Raila Odinga, has prompted a period of adjustment within the party. Dr Oburu has brought together a close team of senior officials, Cabinet members and family allies as he seeks to steady ODM’s leadership. 

The group includes Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Governors Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa, Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay and Simba Arati of Kisii. Mr Nassir and Mr Arati serve as co-deputy party leaders, while Ms Wanga chairs the party. National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and Oburu's son, Elijah Oburu, who now works as his aide, are also central to this circle.

These efforts come amid open dissent from several figures. Winnie Odinga, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have questioned the legitimacy of Oburu's leadership and called for a National Delegates Convention to elect new officials, citing the ODM constitution. 

Governor Nassir, who nominated Dr Oburu during the National Executive Council meeting in October, has defended the appointment, arguing that critics are challenging decisions already endorsed by ODM’s governing bodies. He has warned against attempts to destabilise the party from within.

Oburu has described his role as transitional, acknowledging both his age and the need for new leadership. He has compared political succession to the natural emergence of authority, saying that leadership often develops organically. 

He has also stressed the importance of giving younger leaders room to advance, effectively excluding himself and veteran figures such as Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o from long-term succession plans. Several names have been mentioned as possible successors to Raila Odinga’s political mantle, among them Mr Wandayi, Ms Wanga and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. 

Speaking in Kisumu, Mr Mbadi emphasised continuity while signalling his intention to shape his own leadership path, saying he would choose a course that fits the needs of the Luo community. During ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Winnie Odinga questioned whether the current leadership structure can manage the party’s wide coalition.