Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr Oburu Oginga has spoken candidly about the heavy responsibility of leading the party following the death of his brother, former Prime Minister ,Raila Odinga, saying he can never replace him but remains committed to steering ODM forward with the backing of its grassroots.
Speaking on Saturday, January 24, during the Lake Region Community Dialogue in Kisumu, Oburu drew a biblical parallel between his leadership transition and Joshua taking over from Moses, noting that while the journey continues, the vision Raila championed remains intact.
“I can never be Raila Odinga. I cannot copy or replace him. He left very big shoes that no one can fit, including myself,” Oburu told supporters.
‘To Canaan, Through Singapore’
Using vivid imagery, Oburu said his mission would be to lead ODM supporters to the promised land of Canaan but with a detour inspired by President William Ruto’s ambition to transform Kenya into a first-world country, likened to Singapore.
“Like Joshua who remained after Moses, I will take you to Canaan, but through Singapore, which is where Raila wanted us to go,” he stated.
Oburu explained that this thinking underpins ODM’s continued engagement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) within the broad-based government framework, describing coalition discussions as both necessary and strategic for national progress.
The ODM leader revealed that he never sought the party’s top position and that his brother’s death thrust upon him a role he had never imagined occupying.
“I was appointed as the ODM party leader, and there was no day I ever applied for this position. I never imagined that Raila Odinga would die before me and leave me behind. This is what pains me the most,” he said.
Continuing with the biblical analogy, Oburu noted that Raila had previously acknowledged he might not live to see the realisation of his lifelong political vision.
“Raila had said he might not reach that destination with us, and unfortunately, that came to pass,” he added.
Despite the emotional weight of the transition, Oburu expressed confidence that with the unwavering support of ODM supporters, the party would remain united and relevant as it enters its next chapter.
“I cannot be Raila, but with the people behind us, we can still move forward,” he said.
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