Oburu officially crowned for national leadership by Jaramogi family elders
By Faith Lagat, March 22, 2026Siaya Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Oburu Odinga has been officially crowned by elders from the Jaramogi family and the larger Jokawuor clan on March 22, 2026.
The traditional ceremony, held at the historic Kang’o ka Jaramogi home in Bondo, marked a sacred endorsement of Oburu for national leadership, reinforcing the enduring legacy of the Odinga family in Kenya’s democratic journey.
Oburu described the event as “history written today”, expressing deep honour at receiving the ancestral blessing.
“This sacred, traditional endorsement is far more than a family milestone; it is a profound signal of continuity, wisdom, and the enduring legacy of the Oginga and Odinga lineage in Kenya’s democratic journey,” he said in a post on X.
Photos from the event showed elders in traditional regalia while Oburu addressed the assembly in colourful attire, symbolising authority transfer and communal affirmation.
Patriarch of the Odinga family
As the elder son of Kenya’s first Vice President, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and brother to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Oburu’s coronation reinforces his role as the current patriarch of the Jaramogi family.
He pledged to carry the mantle “with the diligence and honor it deserves” and committed to promoting a unified nation and civic responsibility.
The coronation comes amid political realignments in ODM and the broader opposition landscape, positioning Oburu as a custodian of the family’s vision for social justice, unity, and equitable development.
His leadership is expected to influence party strategy and the opposition’s approach ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oburu responds to Tuju’s disappearance
Meanwhile, in the same statement, Oburu addressed concerns over the disappearance of veteran politician and former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.
He urged the government and investigative bodies to probe the matter with transparency. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said Tuju had been abducted.
“In the same spirit of leadership, I have been informed of the emerging issues surrounding Hon. Raphael Tuju. I have urgently called upon the government, through the relevant investigative bodies, to look into this matter with transparency.”
Siaya Governor James Orengo reported Tuju’s vehicle was found abandoned in Karen, Nairobi, and called for prayers for his safety.
Tuju’s disappearance follows tensions over a Ksh943.9 million loan from the East African Development Bank for a commercial property in Karen, which defaulted and grew to about Ksh2.2 billion with interest.
Earlier this month, police reportedly sealed the property, evicting occupants and drawing criticism from leaders, including Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.