In media reports, emotions ran high at the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) National Delegates Conference (NDC) on Friday as party members paused to remember their late leader, Raila Odinga.
The session, convened to discuss party leadership and internal matters, was momentarily transformed into a solemn tribute to the man many still regard as the party’s guiding spirit.
The ODM party leader, Oburu Odinga-led faction, delegates in an emotional remembrance.
As the room fell silent, the congregation rose in unison to sing “It Is Well,” followed by Raila’s favourite song, “Jamaican Farewell.”
A large screen behind the stage displayed a series of photographs of Raila, capturing moments from his decades-long political journey.
The images, accompanied by the hymns, drew visible reactions from leaders and delegates alike. Some bowed their heads in quiet reflection, while others dabbed at small tears.
A video then played, featuring Raila’s past video addressing the nation: “I have been on the mountaintop, and I have seen the glory of the land. I might not get there with you, but together you will.”
The words resonated through the hall as slides appeared bearing the message, “Continue resting in peace, Baba,” while the song “Aluta Continua” played softly in the background.
As the tribute continued, more images of Raila appeared on the screen.
Delegates swayed gently to “Jamaican Farewell,” their faces a mix of sorrow and reverence.
The atmosphere was one of quiet solidarity, a collective expression of respect from members across the party factions.
Leaders maintained solemn demeanours, their sadness palpable, yet restrained, reflecting both grief and admiration.
After the tribute, the hall slowly regained its focus, with delegates taking their seats and the meeting resuming.
The moment, however, lingered in the minds of attendees, a poignant reminder of Raila Odinga’s enduring influence within the party and the personal connections many maintained with him.
It was a chance to honour the late leader’s vision.
Winnie Odinga congratulates Oburu on ODM ratification
Speaking during the convention on March 27, 2026, Winnie congratulated Oburu while urging the leadership to create space for young people.
“I say this with humility: congratulations, our party leader. We believe as you lead this next part of the transition, as they call you, the youth leader, you’ll open the space in this party for all the millions of young people of Kenya and give us our space,” she said.
Oburu to Winnie: We are not going to expel people from ODM
Speaking on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Special Delegates Convention (SDC) at Jamhuri Grounds, the Siaya senator promised to let more members join the party.
Oburu, who was responding to concerns by Winnie Odinga, however, vowed to make sure that the party would not allow chaos within.
“I want to tell my daughter here, Winnie, that we are not going to expel people. We’re going to be a party of including people and asking them to come in. But we’re also going to maintain democratic principles because we’re a democratic party that has structures. Democracy does not mean chaos,” Oburu stated.
‘Oburu, find your own Secretary General…I won’t serve mediocrity!’ Sifuna declares in explosive ODM fallout
The other good news for ODM members all across the country is that the Sifuna Party has surrendered with their insurrection ideas and are ready to go away and do their own stuff.
Good luck with that for them. Gachagua is eagerly waiting for them to go and swear allegiance to him for Sifuna to have any chance of keeping his senate seat in Nairobi otherwise it is game over for these fellas but that is politics.
“It has been the honour of my life to be the Secretary General of probably the greatest politician this country will ever see, Raila Amollo Odinga,” Senator Sifuna declared.
“Sasa nataka mniangalie vizuri; yaani mnataka kuniambia naweza kuwa katibu mkuu wa ODM, katibu mkuu wa Raila Odinga, miaka nane, and then I become the SG of mediocrity? Oburu tafuta SG wako, mimi siwezi kuwa SG wa Oburu. I will not be the SG of mediocrity, after Raila Odinga, you characters don’t deserve me.”
Well maybe ODM does not deserve Sifuna but now, he has to wait and see if Gachagua and Kalonzo deserve him before he figures out if Nairobi County deserves him as a senator or if they should just send him home in August 2027 and get a new senator for their county who will deserve their vote and confidence. The war over control of ODM is over and dead kabisa. That is just common sense.
Adongo Ogony is a Human Rights Activist and a Writer who lives in Toronto, Canada
