If you are strong, prove you have majority – Oburu tells ODM rebels

ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has challenged party members defying ODM’s direction to prove their political strength by securing majority support within party committees instead of publicly opposing decisions passed through party structures.

Speaking during the ODM Special National Delegates Convention, Oburu defended the party’s democratic processes and warned leaders against contradicting decisions made by majority vote in established organs.

He reiterated that ODM would not expel members who disagree with party decisions, noting that the party is founded on democratic principles and structured decision-making.

“We are a democratic party. A democratic party has structures, and when you are a leader and policy maker in any of the structures, you must go by the cardinal principles of democracy,” Oburu said.

He emphasised that democracy allows both majority and minority views, but final decisions must reflect the will of the majority.

“One of the cardinal principles is that the minority will have its say and the majority will have their way. That’s how democracy works. Democracy does not mean chaos,” he said.

Oburu criticised leaders who preside over party meetings and later oppose resolutions passed by the same organs, saying such actions undermine party unity and leadership responsibility.

“You cannot be a party leader, preside over a meeting of any of the organs, and then, when you come out because you do not like what the majority passed, you start attacking it and saying the complete opposite of what the party has passed through its established organs,” he said.

He added that leaders who consistently oppose majority decisions may not be suitable to continue serving in leadership positions, even though the party does not advocate expulsion.

“If you do that, you don’t deserve to be in that position. You are not expelled from the party, but you cannot continue serving in a position which you are not fit to serve because you are opposing things passed by the majority of your colleagues,” Oburu stated.

Oburu challenged them to demonstrate their influence through party structures rather than seeking public sympathy.

“If you are strong enough, you should convince your colleagues that you have a majority in committees. If you don’t convince them, ni shauri yako!” he said.

He further dismissed claims of victimisation by dissenting members, insisting that democratic competition within party organs is the proper way to resolve disagreements.

“You cannot go seek sympathy that you are being mistreated,” he added.

The ODM Special National Delegates Convention brought together party members and leaders.

The convention was held at Jamhuri Grounds in Kibera, Nairobi, with party leaders outlining the way forward on internal reforms and unity ahead of more upcoming political activities.