The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has instructed dissident members to depart if they disagree with the party’s efforts to engage with President William Ruto and the governing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) prior to the next General Election.
During a Saturday rally in Siaya for the Linda Ground faction of the party, Oburu rejected internal opposition to ODM’s new political direction, stating the party would not expel anyone but would not be controlled by rebels either.
“We seek unity within our party; we are not expelling anyone, but those who feel uncomfortable with us may leave if they wish,” he stated.
“We will proceed with our own plans; if you are not with us, carry out your own. We request that you leave us alone.”
His comments seemed directed at perceived rebels within the party associated with the Linda Mwananchi wing, led by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, who have openly criticized the party’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Oburu justified ODM’s decision to begin negotiations before the 2027 polls, asserting that the party must position itself for power rather than remaining in perpetual opposition.
He dismissed assertions that the party was hastening into talks, explaining it had merely indicated a willingness to commence negotiations centered on policies, development programs, and position allocation.
“What we are discussing is how to strengthen our party so that it remains the leading party in this nation called Kenya. What we are doing here is informing our people that we are preparing for next year’s election through negotiation,” said the ODM party chief.
“And we have only expressed intention to begin negotiations. I do not understand why some claim we are rushing. Rushing to where? We are not in a hurry because everyone is preparing for next year’s election, and ODM cannot be left behind.”
The Siaya Senator also revealed that the party had officially resolved to exit the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, declaring the alliance effectively terminated.
“There was an organization called Azimio, where we were, and that Azimio perished when ODM departed. We left Azimio long ago, we just had not formalized it. But now we have passed a resolution to formalize our exit from Azimio, and it will be completely defunct,” stated Oburu.
He mentioned that the party would now forge its own course, including discussions that might lead to power-sharing arrangements.
“No political party is formed merely to remain in opposition,” Oburu added. “We have been in opposition for too long… this time, we will ensure that we attain power.”
ODM has recently been connected to potential collaboration with UDA to support President Ruto’s re-election campaign, a development that has intensified divisions within the party and sparked public dissent from certain leaders.
The Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi faction of the party on Saturday declared they would remain resolute and undeterred despite political opposition and security concerns.
The leaders affirmed they would travel throughout the nation to advocate for the rights and interests of ordinary Kenyans, insisting they would not be intimidated or silenced.