The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as its party leader, elevating him from an interim capacity.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 13, the party revealed that its National Governing Council (NGC) had confirmed Oburu's new posting, with Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Godfrey Osotsi, and Simba Arati confirmed as Deputy Party Leaders.
"The National Governing Council (NGC) has approved the appointment of Senator Oburu Odinga as the Party Leader of the party. Also approved are DPLs Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Godfrey Osotsi, and Simba Arati as Deputy Party Leaders," ODM said.
Aside from Oburu's appointment, the party also made several leadership changes, including the approval of the appointment of Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga as Deputy Organising Secretary.
The appointments of Otiendo Amollo (Rarieda MP) and Ariko Namoit (Turkana South MP) as Vice Chairpersons of the party were also approved, and the two will join Johnes Mwaruma and Christine Lemein as Vice Chairs.
Rosa Buyu's appointment as Secretary of Political Affairs was also approved, with the group set to formally assume office subject to ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC).
Oburu's formal role came barely a month after he was appointed as the interim party leader following the demise of his brother and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesdy, October 15 in India.
His appointment followed a meeting by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) on Thursday, October 16, ahead of the arrival of Raila's body in Kenya.
The formalisation of Oburu's position had been a subject of when, and not if, as ODM had previously communicated that it would make the long-serving legislator the permanent leader of ODM.
The development comes at a time when ODM is preparing to hold its 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa. The celebrations will take place from Friday, November 14, to Sunday, November 16.
The event is set to attract senior members of ODM's leadership, as well as prominent national leaders with President William Ruto expected to attend the ODM Founders' Dinner on Saturday.
The appointments are set to reflect ODM's direction, as it prepares for a future without its figurehead Raila.
Key pressing areas for the party are the ongoing broad-based partnership with Ruto and the 2027 General Election.
