Siaya elders laud Oginga’s appointment to succeed Raila

NAIROBI: ELDERS from Siaya have congratulated Dr Oburu Oginga on being appointed as the acting leader of ODM, calling the decision the best for the party.

Early yesterday, the ODM party decided to appoint Dr Oginga as the party’s interim leader to lead the mourning and transition period. The decision was announced by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in Nairobi.

The elders say that Dr Oginga is the one who is qualified to lead the party during this period until it elects a permanent leader, given his political experience and history with Raila and ODM.

Elder Onyango Radiel, who has been close to the Odinga family, says that Dr Oginga has been a member of the National Assembly, the East African Parliament, and is now a Senator for Siaya, so he has the right experience to lead ODM.

“This is a very good decision. With this vast experience, we believe Oburu can lead us as ODM members,” said Elder Radiel, who was the Chairman of the Rarieda ODM branch in Siaya.

According to the elders, they said others are suitable to lead the party like Siaya Governor, James Orengo, and Kisumu Governor, Prof Anyang Nyong’o, who have been with Raila since time immemorial.

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They explained that these are people who believed in Raila, have similar ideas to him, and are capable of leading ODM.

“We had three people in mind, Oburu, Orengo, and Nyong’o. They have been with Raila in the struggle. The party is in safe hands,” said Elder Olang’o Nyabola.

During Raila’s funeral service at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, Dr Oginga humbly accepted the position. He said that despite being his brother, he recognised Raila as his political leader.