ODM youth: Oburu should be patron, not Party Leader

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The Nairobi youth wing of the Orange Democratic Movement has called for current party leader Oburu Odinga to assume a ceremonial role as party patron rather than continue as the executive head, as succession debates heat up ahead of the party’s National Delegates Convention.

Speaking during a media briefing in Nairobi, ODM youth official Brian Midiwo said while Oburu has been instrumental in keeping the party together following the death of its founder, Raila Odinga, executive leadership should pass to one of Raila’s children.

“We know how to maintain peace. We are not going to create chaos. But we are going to defend what former Prime Minister Raila Odinga fought for,” Midiwo said.

He added that although his own participation in the upcoming convention remains uncertain, the youth wing has clear expectations about the party’s future leadership.

“In politics, there is something called inheritance. Raila has a family; he has children. We demand and want to see Raila’s son or daughter in ODM leadership,” he said.

According to Midiwo, Oburu is suitable to be the party's patron only.

"Oburu is Raila’s elder brother, and I’m not against him. We want him as the party patron and not the party leader."

The youth leaders are particularly backing East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga to take up a senior leadership role within the party.

The ODM is set to hold its first National Delegates Convention tomorrow, where delegates will deliberate on key issues affecting the party’s leadership and direction, including proposals to initiate coalition talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The convention will be held at Jamhuri Grounds in Kibra constituency.

Meanwhile, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has directed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and ODM to attempt to resolve their dispute over his removal as Secretary General through the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism. Sifuna had challenged the decision, arguing that it was unlawful and violated both the party constitution and the Political Parties Act.