Ababu Namwamba stirs political buzz at ODM SDC as Coast backs Oburu Oginga

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Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba, turned heads on Friday at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Special Delegates Conference (SDC) at the Jamhuri A.S.K. Show Ground.

ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga introduced Mr Namwamba as the former party Secretary-General.

Mr Namwamba reminded delegates that he stood firm for the founding leader Raila Odinga.

"You may recall in 2007, I awore in the name of Baba," said the former Budalangi MP.

He delivered a message blending diplomacy and party loyalty, signaling that ODM’s veteran leaders still play a key role in shaping the party’s future.

He urged the delegates to remain steady after the passing of the party’s patriarch.

"The party must stand firm and protect the ideals of its founding leader, Raila Odinga," said Mr Namwamba.

His presence was particularly striking, given his historical exit during the infamous “Men in Black” episode and his current position as a sitting diplomat.

Active participation by a High Commissioner in party politics is unusual, and Namwamba’s involvement in the ODM’s SDC will definitely be debated for some time.

The conference also saw Coast leaders rally behind ODM’s new leader, Dr Oburu Oginga.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko told the delegates that they must fully support and defend the party leadership while protecting Raila Odinga’s legacy.  

"Let us support, advise, and defend our party leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga. We shall stand firm to protect the legacy of the late Baba Raila Amolo Odinga. As Coast leaders, we endorse dialogue. The spirit of Raila Odinga is within us. We want power," she said.

Adding further weight to the gathering, Raila Odinga’s daughter Winnie Odinga addressed the delegates, urging discipline, unity, and a return to the party’s founding vision.

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP's remarks reinforced the call for ODM members to remain cohesive and focused in the post-Raila era.