Senior leaders in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have cautioned youthful politicians within the party against rushing to position themselves as successors to the late ODM Party leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

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Speaking on Sunday, October 26, 2025, during a delegates meeting at Opoda Farm in Bondo, the party’s old guard, led by Homa Bay Governor and ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, called for patience and unity within the party.

The leaders said there was no leadership vacuum following Raila’s death, adding that the Luo community remained united under the guidance of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.

Wanga said that the community did not require a hurried succession process and urged leaders to avoid divisive politics.

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“The leadership of Luo Nyanza has no vacuum because once Oburu has taken over the mantle of the party leadership, he is the same person who will guide the Luo community going forward,” Wanga said.

Leaders warn against political rivalry

The ODM chairperson warned that premature jostling for leadership could fracture the unity that Raila Odinga worked hard to build over decades.

She called on younger MPs, particularly those using political gatherings to promote themselves as regional kingpins, to exercise restraint and focus on strengthening the party.

Ruaraka MP T.J. Kajwang’ echoed Wanga’s sentiments, saying the community’s strength lay in speaking with one voice.

“Our father Raila has left us in good hands. We have leaders like Oburu and the Luo Council of Elders who will ensure we remain united,” Kajwang’ said.

Kajwang cautioned younger leaders against seeking fame through political opportunism, noting that Raila’s legacy should be preserved through discipline and collective respect.

His remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled message to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has recently hinted at taking up a more prominent role within ODM’s leadership.

Calls for unity under Oburu Oginga

Migori County MP Fatuma Mohamed urged youthful leaders to rally behind Oburu Oginga, describing him as the most experienced figure to steer the party during its transition.

“ODM remained strong because Raila kept us united. We must continue with that unity. The moment we start infighting and unnecessary supremacy battles, the party will be weakened,” she said.

Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu said the world was watching how the Luo community would handle the transition after Raila’s passing.

She said this was a defining moment that required wisdom and restraint. “The late Raila Odinga was a symbol of togetherness for the region. We must honour him by remaining united,” she said.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ also assured ODM supporters that the Luo community had not been left without leadership.

“We have not been orphaned. We still have a father in Oburu, who has the wisdom and experience to guide us,” he said.

The leaders’ joint message appeared aimed at calming growing political tension in Luo Nyanza, where several youthful politicians have been positioning themselves as possible successors to Raila Odinga.

The party elders, however, insisted that ODM must remain focused on preserving Raila’s legacy of unity, democracy, and peaceful leadership.