Oburu: We want to share power in next government

ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga speaking in Kakamega on January 18, 2026 / ODM X

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Odinga has said that the party intends to negotiate for a structured power-sharing arrangement in the next government.

The party leader argued that the party must be properly represented to drive development and influence national priorities.

Speaking on Sunday during a rally in Kakamega, Oburu added that ODM would seek a stronger stake in the next administration, saying the party must not settle for symbolic inclusion without meaningful authority.

“ODM’s current participation in the broad-based government arrangement has provided limited space. We entered the government through the window, but for the upcoming government, we shall enter the government through the door," Oburu said.

"We shall negotiate and ensure we get the strength more than we have in the Broad-Based. The broad-based arrangement is for a short time, but we want more developments in the coming times."

Oburu argued that ODM’s long-term goal was to ensure full participation in government decision-making.

“We want to be properly represented in the government. In the future government, we want to share power. We must share power,” he said.

On Sunday, the ODM party held two parallel county delegates consultative fora as it concluded its tour of the Western region under the “Linda Ground” operation.

One meeting was organised by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa at Golf Hotel, while a second meeting, organised by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera—who also claims to be the county chairman—was held at Emabole Primary School in Butere Sub-County.

ODM party leader Oburu attended both meetings to emphasize the importance of each faction.

On Wednesday, January 14, the United Democratic Alliance National Executive Committee formally mandated party leader President William Ruto to initiate structured coalition negotiations with ODM ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The move signals UDA's resolve to formalise and strengthen the parties’ growing political partnership amid disquiet within the opposition outfit over whether or not to support Ruto's re-election bid.

In a communiqué issued after a NEC meeting held in Nairobi chaired by President Ruto, the party said it had taken note of ODM’s decision to pursue formal talks with UDA within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

The NEC stated that it had taken note of ODM's Central Management Committee to initiate structured negotiations with the UDA to strengthen the ongoing political partnership and negotiate a coalition deal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following that acknowledgement, the NEC resolved to place the responsibility of steering the engagement on the party leader.

“The NEC mandated the UDA party leader to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM party to achieve the desired outcome,” the communiqué said, effectively authorising President Ruto to lead talks aimed at shaping a pre-election coalition framework.