Nairobi, Kenya – 27 October 2025 – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a historic and emotional Central Committee meeting on Monday, marking the party’s first official communication since the passing of its long-time leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. The session was not only a reflection of grief but also a moment of resolve as the party mapped its path forward in a post-Raila era.
The meeting, chaired by ODM Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna, focused on unity, continuity, and the preservation of Raila’s lifelong mission — the struggle for democracy, justice, and equality in Kenya.
A Moment of Mourning and Gratitude
Sifuna began by extending heartfelt condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the children — Rosemary, Junior, and Winnie — and the extended Odinga family, led by the new Acting Party Leader, Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga. He described the moment as one of the most difficult in the party’s history but urged members to remain steadfast in upholding the ideals that Raila lived and fought for.
He expressed deep gratitude to President William Ruto, members of the Cabinet, and the Government of Kenya for their support in ensuring a dignified state funeral for the late Raila Odinga, who was laid to rest as a “true global statesman.” Sifuna also thanked millions of supporters across Kenya and around the world for their overwhelming messages of condolence and solidarity.
ODM@20: A Celebration Turned Tribute
ODM was preparing to mark its 20th anniversary in mid-November in Mombasa, but the celebration now takes on deeper significance — transforming into a tribute to Raila’s vision and political journey.
The party was born in 2005 during the constitutional referendum, when Raila led millions of Kenyans in rejecting a proposed constitution that, in his view, betrayed the reformist spirit of the NARC movement. Sifuna reminded members that the ideals Raila championed then — justice, equality, and accountability — remain unfinished business, and the party must carry that torch forward.
“The struggle for good governance, greater freedoms, and a wider democratic space is a lifelong undertaking,” he said.
The Peacemaker and Statesman
ODM members reflected on Raila’s unmatched contribution to Kenya’s political history. Sifuna hailed him as a peacemaker who consistently put the nation above personal ambition.
“In four straight elections, whenever our party leader was aggrieved by the results, he would still extend an olive branch to the President to stabilise the nation,” Sifuna said. “Raila the statesman would never countenance personal ambition burning the nation.”
This spirit, he said, must guide the party’s leadership as it navigates this challenging transition period.
Rallying the Party Base: Unity Above All
Sifuna called for ODM members to rally around Raila’s vision and maintain unity across all ranks. He admitted that “no one can fill the massive shoes left by Raila,” but insisted that unity of purpose would be the key to navigating the next 15 months — a period that includes critical by-elections scheduled for November 27th.
He urged party officials and leaders across the 47 counties to reach out to grassroots members, comfort them, and assure them that “the journey of the late Raila Odinga is still on.”
“ODM is not just a political party; it is a covenant,” Sifuna declared. “A covenant built on democracy, equity, inclusion, and truth. Raila’s true inheritance is not a name or a position, but a mission — to build a Kenya that works for all.”
He warned leaders against turning the post-Raila period into a power struggle, saying, “Let us resist the temptation to scatter in despair or fight over his political inheritance as leaders often do when giants fall.”
Appeal to the Media: Support Unity, Not Division
In a candid appeal, Sifuna asked the media to avoid sensationalism and divisive reporting. He said ODM’s “biggest challenge now is not internal factions” but ensuring the party’s unity and legacy remain intact.
“Please help us sustain this momentum by not perpetually hyping perceived divisions,” he said. “See us as a fabric built from diverse material originating from all corners of the country. We may not always speak the same language, but we certainly know how to avoid the pitfalls of division.”
Call to County Officials: Keep the Movement Alive
Sifuna directed ODM’s county and branch officials to “take up leadership and grow the movement without fear or favour.” He reminded them that ODM grew into Kenya’s largest party because “citizens believed in its credibility, integrity, and aspirations.”
He promised full support from the party secretariat to ensure grassroots leaders are equipped to mobilise effectively ahead of upcoming electoral activities and national events.
Party Funding: Appeal to the Government
In one of the most significant sections of the meeting, ODM appealed to the national government to release billions of shillings owed to the party under the Political Parties Fund.
Sifuna said the best way to honour Raila Odinga’s memory is to ensure that the party funding he tirelessly fought for is disbursed promptly. “Political party funding is a safeguard against state interference,” he said. “Expediting pending remittances would be a just way to preserve his legacy.”
Official Resolutions from the Central Committee
At the close of the meeting, the ODM Central Committee passed several resolutions that define the party’s roadmap moving forward:
- Gratitude to the People and Government of Kenya: ODM expressed appreciation for the national and international outpouring of love and solidarity during Raila Odinga’s passing and funeral.
- Endorsement of Dr. Oburu Oginga as Party Leader: The committee officially endorsed Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as the new ODM leader and urged members to give him full support to steer the party through the transition.
- Commitment to Unity and Diversity: In honour of Raila’s legacy, ODM pledged to continue embracing diversity and inclusivity, remaining a movement for equality, justice, and peace both in Kenya and beyond.
- Nationwide Memorial Services: The party announced a series of memorial events across the country to allow Kenyans to celebrate Raila’s life and legacy. Memorials will be held in Magarini (Kilifi County) on November 2–3, and in Homa Bay and Migori on November 5–6.
- Expansion of ODM Branches: The party committed to strengthening and expanding its branches nationwide to keep Raila’s dream alive at the grassroots level. “We believe he has joined the nearest branch of ODM in heaven,” the statement read.
- ODM@20 Celebrations to Proceed: The 20th anniversary celebrations will take place on November 14–16, with activities aimed at fostering unity and renewing party solidarity.
- Call for Political Party Funding: ODM reiterated its demand for the release of billions owed to the party to ensure continuity of programs and secure Raila’s legacy.
- Commitment to the Broad-Based Government: The party reaffirmed its participation in the current coalition government until 2027, guided by a ten-point agenda focused on peace and national stability.
Significance of the Meeting
This Central Committee session represents the beginning of ODM’s transition into the post-Raila era — a test of endurance, leadership, and vision. The party faces both opportunities and challenges:
- Challenges: Filling Raila’s leadership void, maintaining cohesion, and navigating upcoming elections amid emotional and political uncertainty.
- Opportunities: Strengthening institutional structures, empowering grassroots leadership, and transforming ODM into a movement defined by collective purpose rather than individual charisma.
By reaffirming its ideological roots and national character, ODM signaled that it intends to remain Kenya’s most influential political movement — one committed to Raila’s mission of democracy, inclusivity, and reform.
The Road Ahead: Key Milestones to Watch
The coming months will be critical for ODM as it executes its resolutions:
- Leadership Consolidation: Dr. Oburu Oginga’s endorsement marks the start of a delicate leadership transition. His ability to unify members will determine ODM’s trajectory.
- Grassroots Mobilisation: County and branch leaders must engage supporters and rebuild morale ahead of by-elections and upcoming political events.
- ODM@20 Celebrations: The anniversary will double as a memorial for Raila and a symbolic renewal of ODM’s covenant with the people.
- Memorial Services: These gatherings across counties will allow millions of Kenyans to connect emotionally and politically with Raila’s legacy.
- Funding and Resources: ODM’s ability to secure state funding will influence how effectively it can run programs, strengthen branches, and sustain national operations.
- Media Engagement: The party’s relationship with the press will play a vital role in shaping perceptions during this transition period.
A Covenant Renewed
In his closing remarks, Edwin Sifuna reaffirmed that ODM is more than a political organisation — it is a movement built on sacrifice, belief, and shared destiny.
“Baba built this movement on the foundation of democracy, equity, inclusion, and truth,” he said. “ODM is not just a political party; it is a covenant that we, the living, must now renew.”
He urged members to uphold unity, discipline, and integrity as they honour Raila’s mission. “Let us not be responsible for any breakup in the party or unnecessary political turbulence that runs counter to Jakom’s dream,” he concluded.
Final Reflections
The ODM Central Committee meeting of 27th October 2025 will go down as one of the most pivotal in the party’s history. It marked a turning point — the moment the movement transformed its grief into purpose.
While Raila Odinga’s absence leaves an irreplaceable void, the message from ODM’s leadership is unmistakable: the struggle continues. The movement that he built will not waver.
As the statement poignantly concluded:
“Rest in peace, Party Leader, People’s President, and Comrade, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.”
