ODM party not in a hurry to say 'wantam' or 'tutam' - Oburu

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has signalled a cautious approach ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections, emphasising that the party is not in a hurry to declare its position on whether to back a one-term or two-term presidential agenda.

Speaking during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee in Mombasa, ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga stressed that the focus is on consolidating the party and preparing for negotiations with current and potential 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 explained that ODM would first engage with its existing partners, including the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He added that if discussions do not yield an agreement, the party would explore dialogue with other 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.

The party leader’s remarks come as ODM navigates the political landscape following the passing of its long-serving leader, Raila Amolo Odinga.

Oburu, who was elected party leader by the National Executive Committee, described Raila as a “brother, friend, comrade, and confidant,” and pledged to honour 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 also highlighted the importance of following the arrangements left by Raila, particularly within the context of a broad-based government.

He stressed that ODM remains committed to implementing its 10-point agenda and working closely with partners in a structured and disciplined manner.

He warned against members publicly contradicting party 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.

The ODM leader emphasised the principle of democracy within the party. He said that while the minority have the right to voice their opinions, the majority’s decisions must guide the party’s course.

“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 criticised external interference from other parties in ODM’s internal affairs, referring to the now-moribund Azimio la Umoja coalition.

He insisted that ODM’s decisions remain central to 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 conveyed optimism about the party’s future.

He called for internal discussions to be conducted freely, without restrictions, and reiterated the importance of party unity.

“I hope that members will discuss freely, will discuss without any restrictions, and we shall make necessary resolutions as we go on,” he said.