Oburu calls for unity, urges rebels to return to ODM

ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has reaffirmed his resolve to steer the party forward, saying he has faithfully carried the mantle of leadership entrusted to him after the death of Raila Odinga.

Speaking during the funeral of Journalist Festus Amimo, Oburu said the responsibility handed to him by the people had not broken his spirit, but instead strengthened his commitment to keep the party united and focused on its future.

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“When Raila died, our people left me with the mantle of being the party leader of ODM. That responsibility has not defeated me. I am holding that mantle firmly,” he said.

He noted that his ability to lead effectively depends on the collective support of party members, urging them to stand together and work as one.

According to him, ODM remains the political vehicle that will carry its supporters toward the realisation of their aspirations.

“ODM is our ship. It is the vessel we will use to cross to Canaan. But I can only move forward if you give me your hands and your support,” he said.

The party leader also extended an olive branch to members who had previously fallen out with the party, calling on them to return home and help strengthen ODM.

“To those who rebelled, even if you were agitated or walked away, I ask you to come back. Let us sit together, speak in one voice and move forward as a united force,” he said.

He further defended ODM’s participation in the broad-based government, saying the party had a responsibility to be part of the formation of the next government to negotiate and secure better outcomes for its supporters.

“In the coming government, we must be part of the government formation so that we can bargain for more for our people,” he said.

Oburu emphasized that ODM does not belong to a single community or group, describing it as a national party that draws support from across the country.

“ODM is not ours alone. It is a party for all people, from every community. Let us join hands, remain together, grow stronger and move forward as one with other communities,” he said.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi who attended the funeral said the party must rally behind the President in the coming elections saying no one in the Orange Party can marshal the required resources and support for a presidential run.

The CS called out some individuals he claimed are out to bring confusion in the party by pushing for a 2027 run against President William Ruto.

"Currently, there is no one prepared with adequate resources to stage a presidential run, I will not be party to such," Wandayi said.

ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga in apparent reference to backing Ruto's support, cautioned that the outfit risks losing if it leaves what is in its hand.

The Homa Bay governor also warned against encroachment by other broad-based parties in backyard of affiliate parties.

"We are in broad-based government as ODM and amongst our agreements is that there is no encroachment," Wanga said.