Octopizzo: James Orengo best positioned to take over Raila’s ODM legacy
By Faith Lagat, October 20, 2025Renowned rapper and activist Octopizzo has called for Siaya Senator James Orengo to be appointed Chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying he is best positioned to carry forward the late Raila Odinga’s vision.
In a post on X, on October 20, 2025, Octopizzo wrote, “James Orengo should be appointed as the Chairman of the ODM Party if the movement is to preserve its legacy and vitality.”
He argued that Orengo’s leadership style and deep understanding of structural and institutional reforms make him “the most capable of advancing Raila Odinga’s vision within the party.”
Succession debate intensifies in ODM
Octopizzo’s call comes days after the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as Acting Party Leader on October 16, 2025, following Raila’s passing.
The NEC confirmed Oburu’s role, stating: “The National Executive Committee (NEC) has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator of Siaya County, Oburu Oginga, as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately.”
While some party leaders emphasised unity and adherence to NEC protocols, others focused on preparing for the 2027 elections. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said Raila’s instruction was for ODM to remain embedded in President William Ruto’s administration, quoting him: “Us we follow Baba, when he says left we go left, when he says right we go right, when he says fire we say fire.”
ODM Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has, however, urged party members to prioritise listening to wananchi and preparing for the 2027 elections, underscoring that Raila’s vision extended beyond government participation to ensuring ODM remains a united and electorally competitive force.
Sifuna emphasised the late leader’s call for electoral preparedness, stating, “Raila aliongea wazi mbele ya nchi nzima… Baba alisema mwenyewe, akasema kama chama lazima tujiandae kwa ajili ya uchaguzi wa 2027,” a stance that contrasts with Wanga’s interpretation that ODM should focus on maintaining its role within a broad-based government for national stability.
Orengo’s eulogy resonates with party reformists
Octopizzo highlighted Orengo’s eulogy at Raila’s funeral, calling it “the realest! Hardest! And most genuine tribute you gave Jakom.” He noted that Orengo’s abilities are underutilized at county level: “Governance at the county level doesn’t fully harness his political intellect and national influence. His strength lies in shaping policy, strategy, and reform at the party’s core… Making him the party leader should be a no brainer.”