Dr. Oburu made the bold remarks on Saturday, November 15, 2025, during the ODM@20 celebrations held in Mombasa.
The event marked 20 years since the formation of the party that has played a central role in Kenyan opposition politics, with Raila Odinga serving as its iconic figure for two decades.
Speaking with emotion and firmness, Oburu reminded the delegates of his long journey in the party and his close relationship with Raila.
He explained that he joined ODM from the very beginning and had remained by Raila’s side through every political battle.
Speaking with emotion and firmness, Oburu reminded the delegates of his long journey in the party and his close relationship with Raila.
He explained that he joined ODM from the very beginning and had remained by Raila’s side through every political battle.
According to him, their bond was not only political but also personal, having walked together for roughly 80 years.
Oburu noted that the memories of Raila’s leadership were still fresh in his mind and that he was still struggling to accept that his brother was no longer alive.
Oburu noted that the memories of Raila’s leadership were still fresh in his mind and that he was still struggling to accept that his brother was no longer alive.
He recalled the images displayed at the event earlier that morning, which reminded him of how closely he worked with Raila in every major political step.
Despite the deep bond he shared with Raila, Oburu stated that not everyone close to the late opposition leader acted in good faith.
Despite the deep bond he shared with Raila, Oburu stated that not everyone close to the late opposition leader acted in good faith.
Although he did not name specific individuals, he hinted that some members of Raila’s inner circle were disloyal during critical political moments.
According to him, while some people loudly declared their loyalty, their actions behind the scenes suggested otherwise.
According to him, while some people loudly declared their loyalty, their actions behind the scenes suggested otherwise.
Oburu said such behaviour amounted to betrayal, especially considering the trust Raila placed in them over the years.
During the same event, Winnie Odinga — Raila’s daughter and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP — proposed that ODM should hold a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to make a clear decision on the party’s current working relationship with President William Ruto.
Winnie argued that Raila was always the stabilising force in any political arrangement. With him gone, she believes the party must now sit down and collectively decide whether the ongoing political cooperation with Ruto should continue or be reviewed.
Her remarks received mixed reactions, and Oburu quickly responded during his address. While he acknowledged her concerns, he dismissed the idea of deciding such matters on the spot.
During the same event, Winnie Odinga — Raila’s daughter and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP — proposed that ODM should hold a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to make a clear decision on the party’s current working relationship with President William Ruto.
Winnie argued that Raila was always the stabilising force in any political arrangement. With him gone, she believes the party must now sit down and collectively decide whether the ongoing political cooperation with Ruto should continue or be reviewed.
Her remarks received mixed reactions, and Oburu quickly responded during his address. While he acknowledged her concerns, he dismissed the idea of deciding such matters on the spot.
He stated that any sensitive political discussion involving the party’s direction would first be handled privately within the family before being addressed publicly.
Oburu assured the delegates that he would speak to Winnie “at home” regarding her proposal. His response signalled that although he values her opinion, party decisions must follow structured processes.
As the newly ratified ODM party leader, Oburu used the platform to express his commitment to uphold Raila’s legacy. He revealed that the leadership role given to him is a heavy responsibility, but he intends to carry it with courage and loyalty.
Oburu pledged to continue with the principles, strategies, and political vision that his brother championed.
Oburu assured the delegates that he would speak to Winnie “at home” regarding her proposal. His response signalled that although he values her opinion, party decisions must follow structured processes.
As the newly ratified ODM party leader, Oburu used the platform to express his commitment to uphold Raila’s legacy. He revealed that the leadership role given to him is a heavy responsibility, but he intends to carry it with courage and loyalty.
Oburu pledged to continue with the principles, strategies, and political vision that his brother championed.
According to him, assuming the role of party leader does not mean introducing major changes but rather keeping the movement focused on the goals Raila set.
He assured ODM members that he would push forward the unfinished agenda and strengthen the party’s stability during this transition period.
He assured ODM members that he would push forward the unfinished agenda and strengthen the party’s stability during this transition period.
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