ODM veteran politician Dr. Oburu Oginga has taken over the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), pledging to safeguard the party’s legacy while signalling a new era of coalition-building and internal restructuring.
Speaking after being affirmed as Party Leader during the ODM Special Delegates Conference (SDC), Oburu said he assumed the role with “deep humility and a sacred duty” to preserve the party’s identity as a leading force for justice and reform in Kenya’s politics.
“I stand before you today with a deep sense of humility and a sacred duty to protect the legacy of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM),” Oburu said.
He added that his long political career — spanning more than three decades as a Member of Parliament, Senator, and Party Trustee — had prepared him for the responsibility of steering the party at a critical moment of transition.
After the endorsement, Oburu outlined an agenda focused on strengthening ODM’s grassroots structures and rebuilding what he described as an “unshakable institutional foundation” to position the party for future electoral contests.
“My mission is clear: to ensure our ‘Orange’ remains the preeminent symbol of justice and reform for all Kenyans,” he said.
Oburu also signalled a shift toward broader political engagement beyond the party’s traditional base, stating that ODM would pursue strategic partnerships ahead of the next election cycle.
He revealed that the delegates had granted him a mandate to initiate talks with “like-minded parties and formations,” aimed at building what he described as “win-win pre-coalition arrangements” aligned with the aspirations of Kenyans.
“Together, we hope to come up with win-win pre-coalition arrangements that reflect the true aspirations of our people,” he said.
The remarks mark a significant moment for ODM as it navigates a post-Raila Odinga political landscape, with attention now turning to how the party will redefine its identity and alliances under new leadership.
Oburu’s takeover is expected to trigger internal realignments within ODM, as the party seeks to balance continuity with its long-standing reform agenda and the need to adapt to Kenya’s evolving political environment.
