ODM Appoints Oburu Odinga as Acting Party Leader After Raila’s Death
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially named Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as its interim party leader, following the death of his brother and long-time party boss, Raila Odinga.
According to ODM, the decision was reached early in the morning during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which was held just before Raila’s body was expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30am.
In a statement released by the party, ODM confirmed:
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator of Siaya County, Dr Oburu Oginga, as the Acting Party Leader. This appointment takes effect immediately.”
Party Opens Condolence Books Nationwide
After the meeting, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir announced that condolence books had been placed in all ODM offices across the country. He encouraged Kenyans from all walks of life to visit the offices and write their messages to honour Raila Odinga.
He further invited the public to attend the body viewing at Parliament Buildings, where Raila’s body will lie in state from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm.
Despite the loss of its founding leader, Governor Nassir assured supporters that ODM remains strong and united.
“ODM remains united just like it was during the Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga’s time. We believe in unity of purpose, a stronger democratic party and a party that must live on for many years to come,” he said.
He added that Oburu Odinga will continue leading the party on an interim basis until the party’s top organs meet to elect a permanent leader who will carry forward Raila’s legacy.
Government to Accord Raila State Funeral
President William Ruto has confirmed that the former Prime Minister will be given a full state funeral. He has already formed a national committee led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to oversee the arrangements.
The funeral programme will run for three days and end with Raila’s burial on Sunday, October 19, at his family home in Kango Ka Jaramogi. He will be laid to rest beside his late son, Fidel Odinga, and his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Key events in the funeral schedule include:
- Thursday: Public body viewing at Parliament Buildings.
- Friday, October 17: State Funeral service at Nyayo Stadium starting at 8:00am. The government has declared this day a public holiday to allow Kenyans to mourn.
- Saturday, October 18: Raila’s body will be flown to Kisumu and taken to Moi Stadium for public viewing between 9:00am and 3:00pm.
- Afterward, the convoy will travel by road to Bondo, where the body will stay overnight.
- Sunday, October 19: Final burial ceremony at his family graveyard.
ODM members and millions of Kenyans are expected to turn out in large numbers to honour a man who shaped the country’s politics for decades. The coming days will mark one of the biggest state funerals in Kenya’s history.
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