Oburu vows to strengthen ODM amid internal tensions
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 25, 2026Oburu Odinga, leader of Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has pledged to rebuild the party despite growing internal tensions.
He spoke to party delegates in Kisii County on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Ogembo in Bobasi Constituency, emphasising his commitment to continue the work of his late brother, Raila Odinga.
“Party Leader @DrOburu_O says he will not be distracted by some forces from making ODM better and greater,” ODM posted on X.
“He says he is up to the task and that he is focused on building the party from where his brother the late Raila Odinga left after his passing in October last year. He spoke to party delegates from Kisii county at Ogembo in Bobasi Constituency.”
The Kisii gathering was part of ODM’s Linda Ground initiative, which mobilises grassroots support. Kisii remains a key party stronghold, with Governor Simba Arati, an ODM deputy leader, hosting Oburu and highlighting the region’s strategic importance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Raila Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025 from cardiac arrest in Kerala, India, was 80. He founded ODM in 2005 from a grassroots movement opposing a proposed constitution. Under his leadership, the party became a major centre-left force, leading opposition coalitions and challenging successive governments.
Raila’s death created a leadership vacuum, prompting ODM to appoint Oburu as acting leader in October 2025. He was confirmed as full leader in November 2025 amid calls for unity.
Tensions have emerged within ODM over Oburu’s approach to potential coalitions, including talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Some younger party members and family figures, including Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga, have voiced concerns about diluting ODM’s independence.
Party divisions reflect history
These divisions echo past party splits. In 1994, Ford Kenya faced similar family disagreements after the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila and Oburu’s father. Oburu’s supporters favour pragmatic negotiations for power-sharing in 2027, while the other camp calls for a stronger opposition stance.
“Young people sometimes express divergent views. I will talk to them,” Oburu said in a recent family statement.
Ruth Odinga, Kisumu Woman Representative and Raila’s sister, backs Oburu, noting that his experience provides stability.
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, at a church in Kawangware, Siaya Governor James Orengo warned that any attempt to remove Edwin Sifuna as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General would destroy the party. He also said that ODM cannot enter into any political coalition before fully implementing the conditions set out by the late Raila Odinga.
Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi also accused the government of using money from increased taxes, from the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the housing levy to destabilise the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).