Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has declared his intention to pursue legal measures against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding assertions that he had been ‘purchased by the government’.
Addressing attendees at the ODM youth convention in Nairobi, Oburu indicated he would seek legal recourse against certain United Opposition members for making baseless accusations.
“Even if they insult us, we continue our forward progress. But one of them claims Oburu has been bought. I will drag him to court to explain the amount Oburu was purchased for. I cannot be purchased,” the ODM leader stated.
While emphasizing his indifference toward critics, Oburu further noted that ODM’s endorsement of UDA was justified, and the party would assume governance in the 2027 elections.
“I prefer not to discuss our adversaries. They may voice whatever opinions they have, but we are advancing,” Oburu added.
Regarding allegations that President William Ruto’s UDA had absorbed the ODM party, Oburu refuted these claims, asserting that ODM is the largest political organization in the nation and thus cannot be encompassed by any other party.
“Our party will continue to expand and gain momentum. It is too substantial to be absorbed. If you attempt to consume it, your system will collapse.”
Although he did not explicitly name Gachagua, the former Deputy President has previously asserted on multiple occasions that President William Ruto had acquired Oburu and the entire ODM party.
During a rally in Kiambu County on Saturday, April 18, Gachagua made the explosive claim that President Ruto had an extensive objective of “eliminating ODM”.
“The ODM that previously protected Kenyans has now been acquired by Ruto through Gladys Wanga and Oburu Odinga. I informed ODM members that Ruto would dismantle your party,” he declared.
These remarks emerge amid potential divisions within the broad coalition regarding the direction the alliance should pursue leading up to the 2027 general elections.
ODM has been advocating for regional zoning in territories regarded as its strongholds, indicating that such a policy enhances democratic principles.
UDA contends that political parties should face no restrictions when presenting candidates anywhere in the country, questioning why ODM appears apprehensive about it, considering its self-proclaimed status as the greatest and largest party.”