Nairobi — New ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga has moved to assert his leadership, saying his mission is to unte the party and safeguard its independence even as it continues to cooperate with President William Ruto.
Oburu, when he took over leadership of the 20 year old party following the death of Raila Odinga, said he will do everything to ensure the party remains formidable and united.
"We shall not agree to swallow because if you are strong, if you are strong, everybody wants to talk to you. Politically, you are as good as your numbers. People ask you what are you bringing on the table if you are bringing nothing on the table. So the death of Raila has given us the vision, first of all, to maintain the principles he stood for," he told delegates during the November 13 National Governing Council held in Mombasa.
The party also confirmed Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Vihiga SenatorGodfrey Osotsi, and Simba Arati confirmed as Deputy Party Leaders.
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The NGC further confrimed the appointments of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as the Chairman and Otiendo Amollo (Rarieda MP), Ariko Namoit (Turkana South MP) as her deputies.
The meeting the party's top decision making organ set off a series of activities to mark its 20th anniversary.National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed said the milestone also serves as both a moment of reflection on its political journey and a celebration of the legacy of its leader, Raila Odinga.
The three-day event will run from November 14 to November 16, bringing together delegates, youth leaders, women representatives, and grassroots organizers from across the country.
According to the party's secretariat, the anniversary programme will kick off on Friday with an ODM Disability League Breakfast. This will be followed by two parallel summits for the party's women and youth league.
The first day's events will culminate in a youth concert set to run from 6 p.m. until midnight.
On Saturday, November 15, the focus shifts to Mama Ngina Waterfront for a celebration themed around Raila Odinga's vision, achievements, and broad political legacy.
The event, scheduled between 7:30am and 2pm, will include a recommitment by members to safeguard the democratic gains won through two decades of ODM's political engagement.
Later that evening, the party will host an ODM Founders' Dinner at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort.
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An inter-religious thanksgiving service has also been organised in honour of Raila Odinga's life, leadership, and the broader journey of the party.
