Winnie Odinga makes a statement after Oburu was approved as the new leader of ODM: “With all humility”

• ODM ended months of uncertainty by confirming Oburu Odinga as the party’s senior leader after serving for a while in an acting capacity
• Delegates supported his leadership in a spirited meeting held in Nairobi, dominated by signs and calls for unity
• Winnie Odinga emphasized the importance of including the youth while Oburu responded with a promise of unity and democracy

Symbolic handovers, songs of joy and strong statements marked an important moment as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officially resolved its leadership issue.

ODM confirmed him Oburu Odinga as the main leader of the party after five months of acting.

His election was confirmed during the Special Meeting of Delegates held on March 27 at Jamhuri Stadium, Nairobi, where members approved his leadership and showed confidence in his ability to lead the party forward.

Oburu was serving on a temporary basis, overseeing the party’s activities and holding it together during the internal transition.

What did Winnie Odinga say after the confirmation of Oburu?

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Speaking of the development, Winnie Odinga he congratulated him saying:

“Congratulations, party leader. We believe that when you lead this coming period of transition, and when they call you a youth leader, you will open a place in this party for millions of young people in Kenya, and you will give us our place here.”

The daughter Raila Odinga he said he had no intention of causing violence during the meeting, urging reforms to make ODM more inclusive.

After his official election, Oburu was presented with symbols of power, including the party’s constitution, the Constitution of Kenya, and a stick of honor representing power, while members began to sing and dance.

“The big ODM party is like a government. ODM is like a big government here in Kenya. When you elect a new president, there is a transfer of power. That also applies to the party. Now we are transferring the power of ODM to Oburu,” said Suna East Member of Parliament, Junet Mohamed, explaining what was happening.

The handover was presided over by former judge Stewart Madzayo, together with senior lawyers Otiende Amolo and TJ Kajwang.

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What did Oburu say after being confirmed as ODM leader?

In his acceptance speech, Oburu Odinga described the 20-year-old party as one of the most enduring parties in Kenya.

He recalled his early days as a founding member and the challenges that existed in registering and building ODM.

Responding to the points raised by Winnie, he assured the members that integration will remain the foundation of the party’s future.

“I want to tell my daughter Winnie that we will not expel people. We will be a party that includes all people. But we will also maintain democratic principles, because we are a democratic party,” said Oburu.

He added that despite the party remaining open, its structures and decision-making processes will continue to follow democratic principles, where the voices of the few are heard and the decisions of the majority rule.

Oburu warned against mixing democracy with chaos, in statements that appeared to be aimed at a group linked to the ousted former Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna. He also dismissed claims that ODM has been bought politically.

“Those who say ODM has been bought, who bought it? At my age, someone can buy me, and for how much?” he questioned.

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He said the party will continue to cooperate with partners with a similar perspective in negotiations aimed at creating alliances towards the 2027 General Election.

Was Osotsi removed as ODM deputy leader?

In the same meeting, members approved Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir and Simba Arati as deputy leaders of the party.

Vihiga Senator, Godfrey Osotsi, failed to get the position after he lacked a recommender and supporter.

The meeting also confirmed the governor of Homa Bay, Gladys Wanga, as the national chairman, while Otiende Amolo and John Ariko Namoit were approved as her deputies, a move that revealed a wide-ranging change in ODM’s leadership.

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