Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Odinga has announced he will seek re-election in the 2027 General Election, signaling his intention to retain the Senate seat he has held since 2022.
Oburu, 82, won the Siaya Senate seat in August 2022 after long-serving Senator James Orengo vacated the position to successfully contest the Siaya County governorship. Oburu ran on an ODM ticket, winning by a landslide with over 89% of the vote.
From Senator to ODM Party Leader
Oburu’s profile rose significantly following the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October 2025. He was appointed acting ODM party leader and subsequently confirmed in the role, stepping into one of the most consequential positions in Kenyan opposition politics ahead of the 2027 cycle.
The party has opened nominations for all positions, including the presidency, signaling a new chapter for ODM as it navigates life without Raila’s towering influence.
Reactions Split Over Age and Attendance
Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Supporters have praised Oburu’s decades of public service and his stabilising role within ODM during a difficult transition period. Critics, however, have raised concerns over his age, health, and Senate attendance record.
Some political observers have noted, with a degree of humor, that Oburu’s continued focus on Siaya clears the path for ODM’s broader presidential ambitions in 2027 without internal conflict at the top.
Challengers Expected to Emerge
As the 2027 campaign season begins to take shape, potential challengers are expected to declare their interest in the Siaya Senate seat. Ultimately, Siaya voters will decide whether the economist-turned-statesman deserves another term—or whether it is time for fresh representation.
