Cherargei applauds Ida Odinga for affirming Oburu’s ODM leadership
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 6, 2025Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei has applauded Ida Odinga for clarifying the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), confirming that Senator Oburu Odinga remains the party leader.
Cherargei’s remarks came after Ida Odinga, wife of the late Raila Odinga, addressed the leadership question during the burial of her sister-in-law, Beryl Odinga, in Bondo on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
“Thank you, Mama Ida Odinga, for putting this matter of ODM Party leadership to rest by indicating that Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga is the Party leader of ODM under a broad-based government,” Cherargei tweeted. “The political scavengers were already hoarding and undermining the Party in the wrong direction.”
He added that the focus should now be on cleaning the party of political parasites and saboteurs who threaten the vision of a united ODM, specifically naming politicians like Orengo and Sifuna. Cherargei said this should be done in honour of Raila Odinga’s legacy.
Ida reaffirms Oburu leadership
Ida Odinga had earlier reaffirmed Oburu Odinga’s position during the funeral, stressing that both the family and the party recognise him as the legitimate leader.
“In our family, Oburu is head of the family. Apart from the family, there is ODM, and the people of ODM have spoken. The party leader is Oburu. So to those writing stories on Facebook, the party leader is still Oburu,” she said.
She urged members of the public and party supporters to respect the decision and avoid interfering with family matters.
“Let us keep it like that for the time being,” Ida said. She added that attempts to influence the family unduly must stop, noting the pain the Odinga family had recently endured following the deaths of Raila and Beryl Odinga.
Cherargei’s statement reinforced the call for unity within ODM and respect for Oburu Odinga’s leadership. He described the clarification by Ida Odinga as timely, ensuring the party does not stray from its course. According to Cherargei, leaders attempting to manipulate the party are betraying Raila Odinga’s legacy and must be held accountable.
Other political figures, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, have echoed similar sentiments, urging ODM members and the public to respect Oburu Odinga as the bona fide party leader. Wandayi said unity within ODM is the only way to continue Raila Odinga’s vision for the community and the country.