Nyando Member of Parliament (MP) Jared Okello has revealed why ODM settled on Oburu Odinga as party leader following the demise of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga two weeks ago.

Speaking to Citizen TV on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Okello, who is a member of the ODM's National Executive Committee, has revealed that the 42-member team saw it fit to install Dr Oburu Odinga to succeed Raila for many reasons.

Acting ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga speaks during a past event. Photo: Courtesy

Okello defends Oburu's pick

One of the reasons, NEC considered as told by Okello, is the fact that Oburu was a close brother to the late Rail Odinga.

In his explanation, Okello revealed that severally Raila made some decisions after consulting his brother, adding that the party was right to tap on the wisdom of Oburu as far as leadership is concerned.

"Through our wisdom, we enthroned Dr Oburu Odinga's name to steer the ship. He was not even there, but we are 42 in the NEC. We scanned the environment and settled on his name.

Acting ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga speaks during a past event. Photo: Courtesy

"This is because of many things put together. First, he is Raila's brother. He carried the history. When the ODM was being formed in 2005, Oburu was at the centre of it.

Okello comments on Tanzania poll

Likewise, while commenting on the Tanzanian general election that saw citizens boycott the entire exercise, Okello has said it is now evident and clear that people in our neighbourhood are boiling in anger,

He has stated that the protests being witnessed in Tanzania a clear evidence that people have been waiting for the perfect moment to express their issues.

Nyando MP Jared Okello speaks during a past event. Photo: Courtesy

"This is the first election in Tanzania causing uproar...People have been boiling with anger and have not had the opportunity to pour it out. This was the best opportunity for them to express their discontent with how the elections have been handled," Okello has said.