By Staff Writer | Wajir Today | Friday, 27 March 2026

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Friday formally confirmed Oburu Odinga as the party leader, ending five months in which he had served in an acting capacity amid internal leadership changes.

Delegates endorsed Odinga’s appointment during a Special Delegates Conference held at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, the party’s highest decision-making forum mandated to ratify leadership positions.

The confirmation was carried by voice vote after a proposer and seconder were presented, with Suna East lawmaker Junet Mohamed declaring the motion passed.

Odinga had overseen party operations on an interim basis following a shake-up within ODM, during which he sought to maintain unity in a party grappling with internal divisions.

The conference also approved Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir and Kisii Governor Simba Arati as deputy party leaders. However, delegates declined to ratify Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi for a third deputy position after his nomination failed to secure both a proposer and a seconder on the conference floor.

“Since there is no proposer and seconder for Godfrey Osotsi, that means he cannot be the party deputy leader,” Junet said during the proceedings.

Osotsi’s rejection comes amid shifting alliances within the party, with the senator recently associated with a faction critical of the current leadership.

Delegates further endorsed Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as ODM’s national chairperson. She will be deputised by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Turkana South MP John Ariko Namoit, whose appointments were also ratified at the meeting. Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi was also elected as the party’s National Organizing Secretary.

The convention brought together party officials, governors, lawmakers and grassroots representatives from across the country to deliberate on ODM’s leadership structure and strategic direction ahead of upcoming political contests.