Oburu Oginga Named Acting ODM Party Leader Following Raila Odinga’s Death
Raila Odinga, who guided ODM for decades and was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, passed away on Wednesday in Kochi, India,
Raila Odinga Junior's name also still very much figures in these circles. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga has been appointed the acting boss of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following his younger brother and long-time party leader Raila Odinga’s demise.
Raila Odinga, who guided ODM for decades and was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, passed away on Wednesday in Kochi, India, where he had been undergoing treatment for an unspecified condition. His passing marked the end of an era for politics in Kenya and has been greeted with an outpouring of grief from across the country and the world at large.
At a morning Thursday gathering, the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) unanimously decided to appoint Dr. Oginga as the party leader in an acting capacity. The committee stated that his tenure would be effective until a decision is further made on the next party move.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) met today morning and unanimously voted to appoint Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as the party leader in acting capacity. The appointment takes effect immediately,” stated a party Secretariat press release.
Following Odinga’s death, President William Ruto directed the country to observe seven days of national mourning. The Kenyan flag will be flown half-mast across the country and in all diplomatic offices abroad as an expression of respect for the late Prime Minister.
President Ruto added that Raila Odinga will be given a state funeral with full honors in recognition of his huge contribution to Kenya’s democracy and political landscape.
According to the state funeral programme released by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Odinga’s body is expected to land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and received by President Ruto and Odinga’s family. The body will be taken to Lee Funeral Home for preservation.
Starting from noon, the body will lie in state at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, and members of the public will be welcome to pay their respects until 5 p.m. A state funeral service will then take place on Friday at Nyayo National Stadium, with dignitaries, political leaders, and citizens from all walks of life attending.
After the service, the body will be ferried to his Karen residence for overnight vigil before it is airlifted to Kisumu on Saturday morning. Public viewing at Moi Stadium shall follow before the body is transported to Bondo for the final rites.
According to Raila Odinga’s wishes, he will be buried within 72 hours of his death, and it will mark the end of a very interesting chapter in Kenya’s political history.
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