In a poignant display of grief intertwined with unyielding political resolve, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Acting Party Leader Oburu Oginga addressed a rally at Gongoni in Magarini Constituency, his voice cracking with emotion as he invoked the memory of his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“Mimi nilipoteza brother yangu Raila Odinga, tulikua tunapendana sana, na nyinyi pia mlimpenda sana,” he declared, as the crowd erupted in applause mixed with sobs. Many clutched photos of Raila, the five-time presidential contender and architect of Kenya’s multiparty democracy.

“Mimi bado naomboleza, kwa hivo sina nguvu sana lakini nilijitokeza kuja hapa kusupport rafiki yangu Kombe hata kama bado tunaomboleza,” he added, explaining that duty had driven him to attend the rally despite his grief.

The event, part of ODM’s push to secure votes for parliamentary candidate Harrison Kombe ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections, drew thousands of supporters under a sweltering coastal sun.

Flanked by Homa Bay Governor and the ODM National Chair Gladys Wanga, ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Mombasa Governor, deputy party leader, Abdulswamad Nassir, Oburu’s appearance marked his continuing major public outings since Raila’s sudden death from cardiac arrest in India on October 15, 2025.

Oburu, the Siaya Senator who was appointed acting leader by the party’s National Executive Committee on October 16, 2025 and reaffirmed by the Central Committee on October 27, 2025 laid bare his personal torment.

ODM’s unity call

The rally was a key stop in ODM’s campaign for the Magarini by-election, with leaders urging supporters to honour Raila’s legacy by remaining united.

Wanga praised Oburu’s resilience, vowing that ODM’s unity would uphold Raila’s vision of inclusive governance. Sifuna reiterated the Central Committee’s decision, saying, “This being the first meeting of the committee since the passing of the party leader, the top party organ endorsed Hon. Dr Oburu Oginga as the new party leader and urged members to accord him support and cooperation to guide the party through this difficult time.”

Nassir reaffirmed ODM’s dominance in the Coast region, saying the party remains firmly rooted in Magarini. “Led by our Party Leader, Sen. Dr. Oburu Odinga, we joined thousands of loyal supporters at the Bomani Grounds in Magarini for a vibrant rally in support of our ODM candidate, Harrison Kombe. The message was clear; Magarini is and remains Chungwa Tupu! Let’s stand united for progress, justice, and leadership that serves the people. Kura kwa Harry wa Chungwa!” he stated.

Defending his leadership

Oburu has faced criticism from some quarters questioning his ability to lead. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya had termed his appointment a “serious mistake,” while former Agriculture Minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa warned of a looming leadership crisis. In response, Oburu defended his role and rallied the youth behind ODM.

“Wengine wanasema ati Oburu sasa miaka zake zimeenda, na sababu sasa anachukua chama ya wazee, viongozi wetu ni vijana wote na wako nyuma yangu, ODM ni chama ya vijana na Gen Z kama Oburu Odinga, ni chama ya all the youths, na nawahimiza mayouth wote waingie chama chetu cha ODM,” he said. He cited leaders such as Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Edwin Sifuna as examples of youthful energy driving the party forward.