Siaya Senator and newly appointed acting ODM Party Leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga, has opened up about the close bond he shared with his late brother, Raila Odinga, describing their relationship as one defined by love, trust, and deep family connection.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station, Oburu fondly recalled their last conversation, which centered around their father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s estate and the need to safeguard family unity.

According to him, they had agreed on the importance of resolving pending family matters to prevent disputes among their children in the future.

“We would discuss many things. I told him there were still a few outstanding issues in Jaramogi’s estate, which we managed together.

“I said if anything happens to either of us, I don’t see the young people jelling as we did. There could be squabbles, so we needed to finalize everything,” Oburu shared.

He added that the conversation, in hindsight, felt like a premonition.

Before they could act on their plans, Raila’s health deteriorated. The ODM leader passed away on Wednesday, October 15, in India, where he had been receiving treatment.

He was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at their family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi during a state funeral.

Oburu also reminisced about the small gestures that reflected their brotherly love. He revealed that Raila often shared gifts he received, including clothes and shoes, as they wore the same size.

“There was a lot of love between him and me. If someone gifted him three clothes, he would give me one. That was the kind of person he was,” he recalled emotionally.

ODM’s future and political direction

Turning to politics, Oburu clarified ODM’s position following the party’s decision to work with President William Ruto’s administration.

He explained that the move was driven by the need to maintain national stability after the widespread demonstrations that shook the country earlier in the year.

“After the protests, the situation almost threatened the foundation of the state. The army was already preparing to come out, and that’s a dangerous trend in a democracy. Ruto approached Raila for a coalition, and that’s how the talks began,” he explained.

The Siaya Senator said ODM remains a strong, independent party with well-established structures and a clear agenda, despite its cooperation with the government.

He emphasized that their 10-point memorandum with UDA was not about the 2027 elections but focused on addressing critical national issues that affect ordinary citizens.

“ODM is the only party with proper structures. Our agreement with UDA doesn’t touch on 2027; it focuses on issue-based governance. Once those are implemented, politics will take care of itself,” he stated.

Oburu reaffirmed that ODM’s objective is to strengthen its base and remain relevant in Kenya’s political landscape, either as a standalone force or within a coalition.

“We want ODM to be strong enough to take power by itself or as part of a coalition. Those now serving in government, like John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, are not speaking for the party because they had to resign their positions,” he clarified.

He also lauded Secretary General Edwin Sifuna for his leadership and acknowledged leaders such as Gladys Wanga and Junet Mohamed, who have maintained that ODM will be on the ballot come 2027.

“Sifuna is doing a good job as our SG. We’re open to working with Ruto, but he’s not our only option. ODM will always chart its own course,” Oburu concluded.