Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai has issued a warning to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership, demanding the urgent appointment of a stand-in party leader to assist the party leader, Oburu Oginga.

Taking to his social media pages on Friday, May 8, 2026, Alai expressed concern that the rigorous demands of party leadership are taking a toll on Oburu’s health.

“Wacha niseme! ODM must urgently start the process of looking for a stand-in party leader to replace Dr Oburu whenever he is not able to personally lead party activities,” Alai said.

He argued that forcing the veteran politician to constantly travel in helicopters to lead party activities is affecting his well-being and preventing him from living his age.

“The top ODM leadership will kill Dr Oburu by demanding that he fly in choppers all the time, affecting his well-being, and even not live to his age,” Alai stated.

Alai added that a new leader must be groomed immediately to ensure the party’s survival.

He warned that failure to establish a clear succession plan now could result in the party folding entirely, forcing members to seek a new vehicle for their political goals.

“New party leader must be groomed now, or we fold the party and find a new vehicle,” Alai added.

Oburu skips ODM retreat

These remarks by Alai come following the absence of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga during the high-level three-day party retreat being held at the coast.

The ODM retreat, held on 4 May 2026, brought together party leaders, Members of Parliament, the National Executive Committee (NEC), and other stakeholders to deliberate on party direction, unity, and organisational strategy ahead of future political activities.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati, while speaking to the media during the second day of the party’s retreat, explained that Oburu, who has been visibly absent for a second day, is held up somewhere and could not make it to the event.

In his absence, Arati stated that Oburu had instead sent a speech which was read during the meeting, insisting that the party leader is okay and will be joining soon.

“Our party leader could not make it to this function; he did send his speech, which has been read. You have it. He is okay; he is alright. It is just that he got committed to another function, but you will be seeing him soon.”