The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has adopted a cautious stance as Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, making it clear that the party will take its time before deciding whether to support a one-term or two-term presidential agenda.
Speaking at a National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa, ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga said the party is prioritizing internal consolidation and preparing for discussions with current and potential political partners.
“As a party, we have agreed in the previous Central Committee meetings and also in our National Delegates Conference. We agreed that as a party, we are not in a hurry to say one term. We are not in a hurry to say two terms. We are strengthening our party to prepare ourselves for negotiations,” Oburu said.
Oburu clarified that ODM will first hold talks with its existing partners, including the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He added that if these discussions fail to yield an agreement, the party is prepared to open dialogue with other political formations.
“Or if there is no agreement with any, we go it alone as ODM. I think that is the position of the party. And I’m very happy with it,” he said.
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His remarks come as ODM charts a new path following the passing of its long-serving leader, Raila Odinga. Oburu, elected party leader by the National Executive Committee, described Raila as a “brother, friend, comrade, and confidant” and vowed to uphold his legacy.
“I still don’t even feel that he is not there. I feel so hurt. But all the same, we have to continue. Life must continue. And in his honor, I will do my best until I go to the grave,” he said.
Oburu emphasized the importance of respecting the arrangements Raila Amolo Odinga left behind, particularly within the framework of a broad-based government. He reaffirmed that ODM remains committed to implementing its 10-point agenda and collaborating with partners in a structured and disciplined manner.
He also cautioned party members against publicly contradicting official decisions.
“It is okay if other members of our party exercise democratic rights to say what they like. But really, it is not right for me as a party leader to go out and shout what was not agreed and what is my own personal view,” Oburu said.
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The ODM leader underscored the party’s democratic principles, noting that while minority voices have the right to express opinions, the majority’s decisions must guide the party’s direction.
“That is the cardinal principle of democracy, which I want our party to adhere to. If you are in the minority, you follow what the majority have decided,” he said.
Oburu also criticized external interference in ODM’s internal affairs, specifically pointing to the now-defunct Azimio la Umoja coalition. He insisted that ODM’s decisions remain central in any coalition discussions.
“The majority, the strongest party in Azimio, was ourselves as ODM. There is nobody who can make a decision in Azimio without the concurrence of ODM. And in fact, Azimio was dead when ODM left it. We left it a long time ago,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Oburu expressed optimism about the party’s future. He encouraged members to engage in open internal discussions while stressing the need for unity.
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“I hope that members will discuss freely, will discuss without any restrictions, and we shall make necessary resolutions as we go on,” he said.
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