Dr. Oburu Oginga has recently stepped into his role as the new party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a transition marked by significant political engagements and immediate challenges. An early highlight of his leadership involved a coronation as a Luo Elder and spokesman by Luo elders in Nairobi, an event that took place at Kamukunji grounds in Kibera. This ceremony preceded his maiden political outing in Kibra, which unfortunately garnered little excitement from the assembled crowd and was characterized as chaotic, comical, and largely disastrous. During this event, Dr. Oginga was perceived as verbose, lacking clear focus or a cohesive message, signaling potential difficulties in galvanizing a strong grassroots following early in his tenure.

Beneath these initial public appearances, a more profound concern is emerging regarding the future vitality of the ODM party. Critics and observers fear that under Dr. Oginga's leadership, the formidable political entity painstakingly built by his late brother, Raila Odinga, is experiencing a steady decline. This perceived weakening is attributed to a 'cluster of profound weakness, indecisiveness, and confusion' that appears to be afflicting the Orange Party. Despite concerted attempts by the current leadership to rejuvenate grassroots support, the party's overall trajectory raises pertinent questions about its continued dominance and internal coherence. Further complicating this already intricate situation, Dr. Oginga is reportedly pursuing a political deal with President William Ruto, a move expected to draw intense scrutiny and considerable debate from within the party ranks and the broader political landscape.

In response to these burgeoning challenges, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has vigorously defended Dr. Oburu Odinga against criticism, particularly focusing on concerns regarding his age. Speaking at a tense ODM delegates’ meeting held at Mabole Grounds in Kakamega County, Junet firmly dismissed media claims that questioned Dr. Odinga’s continued leadership, categorizing such attacks as both disrespectful and misguided. Junet eloquently articulated that age should not be considered a barrier to effective political leadership, choosing instead to emphasize the paramount importance of accumulated wisdom and extensive experience. He rhetorically posed, 'Who will not get old? ...What matters is the wisdom and experience one brings to the party,' thereby advocating for a merit-based evaluation of leadership qualities.

Junet further underscored the indispensable value of institutional memory and robust discipline within any serious political party, asserting that ODM's historical growth and resilience are a direct testament to the sacrifices made by dedicated leaders committed to advancing democracy over many years. He emphatically reiterated that a political party such as ODM serves as a fundamental vehicle for seeking and exercising political power, rather than merely functioning as a charitable organization tasked with distributing relief food. 'A party is not an NGO. ODM exists to win elections and form government. That is why we must remain united and focused,' Junet declared. Additionally, he highlighted a distinctive characteristic shared by both ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA): both parties are presently led by individuals possessing doctorate degrees, a point he leveraged to suggest a deeper ideological foundation and inherent governmental capacity within both major political formations.

Despite these fervent calls for unity, Junet’s remarks coincide with palpable internal strife within the ODM, particularly evident in Kakamega County. The county has been a scene of rival factions holding parallel delegates’ meetings, thereby overtly exposing deep cracks and pronounced divisions that could significantly impact future party activities. Leaders present at the Mabole meeting collectively urged members to diligently resolve their differences through internal mechanisms and issued stern warnings that public infighting has the potential to substantially weaken the party’s standing at both the county and national levels. The aggregated narrative vividly portrays an ODM party grappling with a complex leadership transition, managing overt internal dissent, and strategically recalibrating its direction, all unfolding under the watchful leadership of its new leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga.