ODM Signals Major Leadership Changes as Registrar Issues Gazette Notice
January 19, 2026 (Nairobi) – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has signaled changes to its senior party leadership, according to a Gazette Notice issued under the Political Parties Act (Cap. 7D).
The Registrar of Political Parties published the notice on Tuesday, outlining revisions in key ODM positions, including party leader, deputy leaders, and other national offices.
Changes to Party Officials
The official list of former and new appointees is as follows:
- Party Leader: Raila Amolo Odinga → Dr. Oburu Oginga
- Deputy Party Leader – Strategy: Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya → Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir
- Deputy Party Leader – Operations: Ali Hassan Joho → Paul Simba Arati
- Deputy Party Leader – Policy: Godfrey Osotsi → Vacant
- National Chairperson: John Mbadi → Gladys Nyasuna Wanga
- Deputy Chairperson – Strategy & Political Affairs: Paul Simba Arati → Paul Otiende Amollo
- Deputy Chairperson – Operations: John Ariko Namoit → Vacant
- National Organizing Secretary: Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim → Ahmed Abdullahi
- Secretary for Political Affairs: James Opiyo Wandayi → Rozaah Buyu
- Deputy Organizing Secretary: Rozaah Buyu → Ruth Odinga
Public Participation Window
Members of the public with written submissions on the proposed changes are invited to deliver them to the Registrar of Political Parties within seven (7) days from the date of publication.
Submissions and further inquiries can be addressed to:
Registrar of Political Parties Offices, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way, 4th Floor, Nairobi. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A Gazette Notice Is Part of a Formal Process
Changes to political-party officials are not complete simply because party leaders announce them internally. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties publishes proposed changes and allows objections or written submissions as required by law before records are updated.
Why the Leadership Changes Matter
The positions listed in the notice shape how ODM is organised nationally, including party strategy, operations, mobilisation and political communication. The changes were therefore important for the party’s internal structure as it prepared for the 2027 election cycle.
What Was Still Open at the Time
The notice created a public-participation window rather than an automatic declaration that every proposed change was final. Any objections, corrections or subsequent notices from the Registrar would form part of the legal record.
