The newly endorsed Acting ODM Party Leader, Dr. Oburu Odinga, has paid an emotional tribute to his late brother and former Prime Minister, Raila Amollo Odinga, describing him as his “bosom buddy” and vowing to carry forward his political vision and legacy.
Speaking during a solemn memorial event at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Dr. Oburu reflected on their close bond, their shared struggles, and the lifelong ideals that shaped their service to Kenya.
“Raila was my bosom buddy. We were only one and a half years apart,” Dr. Oburu said. “Some may think I am old — no, I have a very fresh and young mind. I am a Gen Z at heart.”
He described Raila as a courageous patriot who lived a full life, championing Luo unity and strengthening the ODM Party fabric that continues to hold the community and country together.
A Moment of Pain and Courage
Dr. Oburu recounted one of the most painful moments of their lives — when Raila was imprisoned at Kamiti Maximum Prison during the struggle for Kenya’s second liberation.
“I almost cried when I saw him behind bars,” he recalled. “But Raila laughed at me instead. He told me to be strong, that tears were not the answer. He believed that liberty had a price — and he was willing to pay it.”
He said Raila’s resilience, even in captivity, inspired an entire generation to keep faith in the fight for democracy and justice.
“He believed deeply in championing the right cause, even when the cost was personal suffering,” Oburu added. “That spirit of sacrifice is what built the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy today.”
‘I Am Up to the Task’
Dr. Oburu said he had not anticipated being endorsed as the Acting ODM Party Leader, but affirmed that he is ready and capable of filling his late brother’s shoes.
“I wasn’t aware, neither did I expect to be endorsed as the acting party leader,” he said. “However, I am up to the task and will rightfully fill into Mr. Odinga’s shoes. Our journey was one of shared purpose, and I intend to carry it forward with humility and dedication.”
On the Broad-Based Alliance
Turning to the broad-based government arrangement, Dr. Oburu explained that the decision to cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza administration was a pragmatic one — born out of the need to preserve national stability after the Gen Z protests.
“We had one agenda in common with the youth — reform, accountability, and opportunity,” he said. “But we did not want a military takeover of our country. That is why we chose the broad-based arrangement.”
He clarified that ODM’s collaboration with government does not mean surrender.
“ODM will not be swallowed,” he stressed. “We will remain firm, shaping policy and governance from within. We saw it wise to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration until 2027 as we watch their moves. All we do not want is for our people to be dragged back into endless opposition.”
A Call for Unity and Progress
Dr. Oburu urged ODM members and Kenyans at large to stay united behind the government as the party continues pursuing inclusive governance and national progress.
“Let us remain fully behind this government as we push for reforms and development,” he said. “Raila believed in dialogue, peace, and progress — not division. That is the legacy I will uphold.”
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