Poghisio: Pretending that ODM is still whole is simply a denial
By Cynthia Lodite, November 17, 2025Former West Pokot County Senator Samuel Poghisio has come out questioning the need for the National Delegates Conference (NDC) call for the Orange Democratic Movement.
Speaking on Monday, November 17, 2025, during an interview with a local media house, Poghisho stated that ODM, despite being a national party, has been defined by the absence of the late Raila Odinga.
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He went on criticizing the current ODM while saying it is no longer what it used to be a while back, further adding that some members are not satisfied with the leadership selected to replace Raila Odinga.
“ODM was a national party, but half of its life has been defined by the absence of Raila. It is no longer what it used to be. Pretending that it is still whole is simply a denial. Some members are not satisfied with the leadership selected to replace Raila Odinga,” Poghisio said.
He also challenged Oburu Odinga and Winnie Odinga’s remarks on the National Delegates Conference for the party amid recent transitions.
“If the replacement was meant to be interim, then why are they not calling for an NDC? The big question now is, “What is the way forward ahead of the 2027 elections?” Poghisio said.
ODM at 20
His remarks come just a day after the Orange Democratic Movement concluded its twentieth anniversary celebrations in Mombasa County with calls on NDC taking on.
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At the time, ODM party leader Oburu Oginga responded to Winnie Odinga’s call for clarity on who should manage the broad-based government now that Raila, who had overseen ODM’s entry into the pact, is no longer present.
Speaking during ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, Oburu acknowledged Winnie’s concern over the management of the party’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He noted that while she had suggested that the party consider selecting another person to oversee the relationship, he would discuss such matters privately with her at home.
“My child Winnie says that since Raila was there, we should now find someone else to help continue this broad-based government. I am telling her that we will discuss these matters privately at home. I will explain these things to her at home,” Oburu said.
Oburu emphasised that as the party leader, he has taken up the mantle left by Raila Odinga and is determined to continue the late leader’s work.
He assured ODM members that he would not shy away from the responsibilities of leadership and that he has embraced the role fully, including the protection and execution of the party’s priorities and agreements.