Crisis at the Orange party! ODM member begins petition calling for resignation of Oburu Odinga
By Ascah Mwango, November 18, 2025Life members of the Orange Democratic Movement have filed a petition demanding the immediate resignation of Acting Party Leader Oburu Odinga, accusing him of violating the party’s constitution and undermining internal democracy.
The petition, dated November 18, is led by ODM life member Rachael Tabitha.
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In the document addressed to the National Elections Board, Tabitha and other life members argue that Oburu and a select group of leaders have gone against the values that ODM was founded on.
“We, the undersigned Life Members of the Orange Democratic Movement, led by Hon. Rachael Tabitha, submit this petition in exercise of our rights as loyal, dedicated, and constitutionally recognised life members of the party,” the petition read.
It added that ODM was founded on constitutionalism, internal democracy, transparency, accountability and protection of members’ rights. The petition warns that these values are now under threat.
“Today, these values stand threatened. It is with deep concern that we note actions and decisions attributed to Hon. Oburu Odinga and a select group of individuals that undermine the very principles ODM has defended for decades,” the members stated.
According to the petitioners, Oburu and others have disregarded due process, violated internal democratic procedures and failed to respect the rights of life members. They claim this has created exclusion, anger and mistrust within the party.
“It is deeply inappropriate for some leaders to speak with pride and boldly declare that they are legitimately in office while the party constitution, particularly article 6.2.2(b), has been blatantly violated. Such defiance undermines accountability, fairness and respect for due process,” the petition read further.
The life members warn that such conduct erodes public confidence, delegitimises party organs and contradicts the rule of law ODM has championed for years.
They now want Oburu Odinga to resign from all party leadership positions. They are also calling for an urgent National Delegates Convention to address what they describe as a governance crisis and to restore legitimacy to party structures. The petition further demands full respect and recognition of life members and adherence to their rights in party decision-making.
The petition issued a thirty-day ultimatum to the National Elections Board.
“If the above actions are not undertaken within thirty days from the date of this petition, we, the undersigned Life Members of ODM, shall tender our resignation from the party as a matter of principle in protest under the Raila school of thought against the ongoing violation of constitutional order,” it stated.
Oburu’s appointment
Oburu Odinga was appointed Acting Party Leader on October 16 following the death of long-serving ODM leader Raila Odinga. The National Executive Committee said it met and unanimously endorsed Oburu’s designation as party leader, with the decision taking effect immediately.
“The National Executive Committee 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,” ODM said in a statement at the time.
Poorly timed
However, the move has divided the party. Several leaders, including Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, have argued that Oburu’s appointment was mishandled and poorly timed.
“You know, the first thing I said, and I have been loud about it, is that giving Oburu that position while barring Baba was wrong timing. It could have been endorsed at any other time, but why the hurry? We have said it, and now you see the repercussions. We were supposed to do ODM at 20, but now Baba has left us. We are still mourning. People are angry out there,” Amisi said.
Winnie Odinga also called for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to allow members to decide for themselves who should lead the party next.