Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga has been named the acting leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the passing of his younger brother and party founder, Raila Amolo Odinga.
Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and former Prime Minister, died on Wednesday in Kochi, India, where he had been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.
In a statement released Thursday morning, the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) announced that it had unanimously agreed to appoint Dr. Oburu Oginga as acting party leader, pending further deliberations on the party’s future leadership.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) has this morning met and unanimously endorsed the designation of the Senator of Siaya County, Dr. Oburu Oginga, as the acting party leader. This appointment takes effect immediately,” read the official statement from ODM.
Following the announcement of Odinga’s death, President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning, during which the Kenyan flag will be flown at half-mast in honor of the late statesman.
Odinga will be accorded a state funeral, reflecting his pivotal role in Kenya’s democratic journey.
According to the funeral programme released by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the body of the late opposition leader arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday at 9:30 a.m., where it was received by President Ruto, members of Odinga’s family, and senior government officials.
It was then transported to Lee Funeral Home under full military escort.
From 12 noon to 5 p.m., the body will lie in state at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi for public viewing, giving Kenyans an opportunity to pay their last respects.
A state funeral service is scheduled for Friday at Nyayo National Stadium, after which the body will be moved to Odinga’s Karen residence for an overnight vigil.
On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu for a public viewing at Moi Stadium, followed by a road procession to Bondo, Siaya County, where it will lie overnight.
The late Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, in accordance with his personal wishes that he be buried within 72 hours of his death.
Body of Raila Odinga arrives in Nairobi; president Ruto receives it at JKIA
