Tunataka Oburu’: Crowd chants at Raila anniversary in Bondo

Chants demanding to know the whereabouts of ODM party leader Oburu Oginga filled Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, as thousands gathered on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death.

“Tunataka Oburu, Oburu ako wapi? Tunataka power, tunataka Oburu,” sections of the crowd chanted, insisting that the party leader must appear before them.

The supporters questioned Oburu’s absence from the anniversary celebrations, demanding answers about his whereabouts and calling on party officials to explain why he was not at the venue

ODM supporters at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, to mark the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death/FAITH MATETE

They warned that they would not accept the celebrations proceeding as usual without knowing why their party leader was missing.

“Why is Oburu not here? We want to see our party leader. Let them tell us the truth about what is going on,” some of the supporters said.

The chants introduced a tense political undertone to the commemorations, which brought together ODM supporters, political leaders and members of the Odinga family to honour the legacy of the late former Prime Minister.

On Wednesday, during the international candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati said he would deliver Oburu’s message at Thursday’s anniversary celebrations.

It remained unclear whether the message would address the concerns raised by the chanting supporters.

Oburu took over the leadership of ODM following the death of his younger brother, Raila, who died in India on October 15, 2025.