Seeking power is not shameful, we want it, Oburu says as ODM targets 2027

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga/ EZEKIEL AMING'A

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has declared that the party is unapologetic about its quest for power, saying seeking leadership is central to its mission ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the ODM National Delegates Conference at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, Oburu said the party will openly pursue power and structure itself to win the next polls.

“We are not ashamed to say we want power and we are going to remain in power,” Oburu said.

“Without power, you cannot implement any policy, you cannot serve the people. So we can only serve when we are in power. Power first, everything else follows.”

He added that every party is formed in all countries of the world to seek power.

Oburu told delegates that ODM will begin early preparations for the 2027 elections through structured negotiations within the current political arrangement.

“As we continue to negotiate in this broad-based arrangement, we are going to continue to be there up to 2027,” he said.

“We cannot just sit back and wait for 2027 and then start moving. We have to do it as an organised party and a disciplined party.”

He said the party will form a technical team to spearhead negotiations, adding that ODM will enter any talks guided by firm principles.

“Where ODM has MCAs, where ODM has MPs, where ODM has women representatives, where ODM has senators and governors, that is non-negotiable. That is ODM. We start from there,” Oburu said.

At the same time, the ODM leader dismissed claims that the party has been compromised in its current political alignment.

“ODM is not bought. Bought by who? At my age, can somebody buy me?” he posed.

Oburu also emphasised the need for discipline within the party, warning against internal divisions.

“Democracy does not mean chaos. It is not intolerance. It is actually just going by the principles of democracy,” he said.

The Jamhuri meeting brought together ODM delegates from across the country to deliberate on party leadership and internal affairs, even as a rival faction held a parallel gathering at Ufungamano House in Nairobi.

Despite the split, Oburu maintained that ODM’s focus remains on consolidating its strength and preparing for the next election cycle.

He urged members to remain united and committed to the party’s agenda, saying its strategy will be anchored on securing political power as a pathway to implementing its policies.

“ODM power,” he concluded before taking his seat.