Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has vowed to stay put and lead the Orange party after assuming the party leadership from his younger brother, Raila Odinga.

Speaking in Malaba, Busia County, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Oburu declared his readiness to take the reins of the party affairs as he urged the grassroots leaders to support him in his new role.

The Siaya Senator was unanimously ratified as the new party during the ODM at 20 celebrations held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Mombasa.

His appointment followed the passing of Raila Odinga on Wednesday, October 2025.

After Raila

“Raila is now gone, but he left us with a big party called ODM. This party can not fall because our leader is gone. As the members, you are here, and having given me the responsibility to lead, I will soldier on without fear,” he announced.

“I am here to ask for your support as the grassroots delegates from Busia. If you support me, I will continue with your assurance, and I promise that we will lead by observing all the party rules,” he added.

Appeal to feuding factions

In a mild rebuke, he also continued his appeal to the feuding members within the party to put an end to what he termed as side shows and help the quest to unite it.

“We are not going to be distracted by sideshows. Those engaging in sideshows, I ask them to return to the party and to their people. I will not name any individuals, but I ask them to return to the party,” he stated.

Oburu made the remarks as he arrived at Malaba for the party’s Linda Ground tour.

The Siaya senator arrived at the border town aboard a helicopter, accompanied by a section of leaders drawn from the Orange Democratic Movement, led by party chairperson Gladys Wanga, and area leaders led by the governor, Paul Nyongesa Otuoma, and Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo.

Others leaders in the ODM entourage included Dagoretti MP Beatrice Elachi, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, and Vihiga Governor Wilberforce Otichillo, all of whom were donning ODM party colours.