The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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ODM leader Oburu Odinga has vowed to exercise caution and responsibility in guiding the Luo community, stressing that he will avoid taking the region down unsafe political paths following the death of his elder brother, the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking at a Luo Leaders Forum in Kisumu, which convened leaders from Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, and Homa Bay counties to reflect on the community’s political and socio-economic future, Oburu emphasised that leadership demands prudence, collective decision-making, and accountability.
“As a leader, I cannot take people into deep waters or an insecure place,” Oburu told the forum, earning strong approval from attendees.
He acknowledged that he never sought the leadership role he now holds and had not imagined stepping into the political space left by Raila.
“I never applied to lead ODM. I never expected to bury Raila; I always thought he would bury me, and in a beautiful ceremony,” he said, expressing the depth of his personal loss.
Oburu also reflected on the weight of his responsibility: “I did not know a day would come when I would have to fill his shoes. He was my brother, and his shoes are huge. I am not his copy-paste.”
He told the forum that his leadership depends entirely on the support of the people, openly asking them to affirm whether they still trusted him to guide the party and the community—a call met with enthusiastic approval.
“The people give a leader strength. Without your support, I cannot move forward,” he said.
Oburu highlighted that Raila Odinga had left the Luo community with a clear political direction through a broad-based arrangement and a 10-point agenda prioritising national unity, youth empowerment, and economic development.
He cautioned against strategies that would confine the Luo community to perpetual opposition while other communities benefit from government participation.
“There are those who want our community to remain in opposition while others reap rewards from the government. That would be leading our people into danger,” he warned.
Oburu said ODM plans to begin talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as a primary partner, before consulting other political formations, noting that the party already participates in the broad-based government framework.
“We will start discussions with UDA first, then others,” he said, insisting that any engagement must be rooted in unity and strength.
“I negotiated for our current position in government. Now, we must negotiate from a position of power,” he added.
Using biblical imagery, Oburu likened himself to Joshua tasked with completing the journey Moses began: “I will ensure I take you to Canaan as the remaining Joshua, even if the road passes through Singapore,” he said, stressing that Raila’s vision was for the Luo community to achieve political and economic security.
He concluded by urging the community to boost its bargaining power through active civic participation.
“We must ensure our people obtain national ID cards and vote in large numbers when the time comes. That is how we safeguard our future.”
