The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has entered a defining period in its two-decade journey as it moves to preserve the legacy of its late leader, Raila Amolo Odinga.

Days after the nation bid farewell to the former prime minister at his family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, the party has rolled out a series of activities and resolutions aimed at safeguarding his political vision and unity within the movement he built.

The ODM Central Committee, meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, described the moment as both sombre and historic. The committee confirmed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the new party leader, with senior officials pledging to keep the party united and focused on the ideals that defined Raila’s life-peace, democracy, inclusion, and justice.

“We endorse Hon. Dr Oburu Oginga as the new Party Leader and urge the party rank and file to accord him all the necessary support and cooperation to enable him to guide the party through this difficult time,” the statement read in part.

Raila’s burial on October 19 marked the close of a political chapter that spanned more than four decades. His state funeral, attended by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and foreign dignitaries, reflected the depth of his influence.

The former prime minister was buried beside his parents and son in Bondo, with his iconic hat and fly whisk placed beside him as symbols of honour.

Party activities to continue Raila’s mission

ODM has lined up several memorial services and events across the country. The gatherings will begin in Magarini, Kilifi County, on November 2 and 3, before moving to Homa Bay and Migori on November 5 and 6, 2025.

These ceremonies are meant to give supporters from different regions a chance to celebrate Raila’s life and renew their commitment to his ideals.

The long-planned ODM@20 anniversary celebrations, postponed earlier this month, will now take place in Mombasa from November 14 to 16, 2025. The celebrations will not only mark two decades of ODM’s existence but also serve as a tribute to Raila’s enduring influence.

“Given the love Rt Hon Raila Odinga had for ODM, we believe he has joined the nearest branch of ODM in heaven,” the party said in its statement. “We shall honour him here on earth by strengthening existing branches and creating new ones.”

ODM officials have urged party members to resist internal divisions and focus on strengthening the organisation. The leadership is also preparing for the November 27 by-elections, which will test the party’s readiness and cohesion in the post-Raila era.

From reflection to renewal

The ODM leadership has also appealed to the national government to release funds owed to political parties. Sifuna noted that ODM is owed billions in remittances under the Political Parties Fund.

“I wish to appeal to the National Government to address the constitutional gap in political party funding, which has seen ODM owed billions in remittances under the Political Parties Fund,” he said.

In the weeks leading to his death, Raila had reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to a broad-based government arrangement with President Ruto’s administration until 2027.

“As the top leadership of this party, we shall continue to pursue all the causes to which he dedicated his life. We will do everything within our power to uphold the unity of the party and apply the lessons learned from our departed leader and comrade in service to the nation and the people he so deeply loved and fought for. We reaffirm the Party’s commitment to the broad-based government until 2027 – a relationship guided by the ten-point agenda established in the interest of peace and national stability.”

Speaking in Machakos, Raila made it clear that ODM would make its decisions for the next election at the right time, dismissing claims that the party had agreed to forego a candidate in 2027.

“We have a clear plan that we negotiated and agreed on,” he said then. “Other decisions will be made when the time comes.”