ODM leader Oburu Oginga /HANDOUTODM leader Oburu Oginga has defended the delay in formal coalition talks with President William Ruto's UDA ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Siaya senator said the two parties are deliberately keeping their strategy under wraps to avoid giving rivals an advantage.
Speaking during a women's empowerment event in Nyando, Kisumu county, on Saturday, Oburu dismissed criticism that he was not effectively engaging the ruling party despite growing expectations that ODM and UDA will contest the next election on a joint ticket.
"Some people are asking why Oburu is still quiet. Why is he not starting negotiations with Ruto's government? Why is he too slow?" he said.
"I'm not too slow. The election is next year in August. We still have more than one year to go. If we try to make a coalition arrangement too early, we are going to give our opponent some clue of what we want to do."
The ODM leader said premature negotiations would expose the coalition's strategy, allowing political rivals to counter it before campaigns gather momentum.
"We are not going to give them that opportunity. We are not going to give them the privilege of making known our intentions too early.
“But in any case, we are going to make it before the end of the year. We are going to make sure before the end of the year, we will agree," he said.
His remarks come amid sustained speculation over an emerging ODM-UDA alliance that is expected to shape the 2027 presidential race.
Although both parties have indicated they are preparing to appoint negotiating teams, formal talks have yet to begin, fuelling uncertainty over the structure of the proposed coalition and the sharing of key positions.
ODM has increasingly thrown its weight behind Ruto's reelection bid, but mixed signals remain over who would occupy the deputy president's slot if the coalition succeeds.
The President has repeatedly endorsed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as his preferred running mate, a position that could complicate negotiations with ODM leaders seeking a greater stake in the coalition.
Several senior ODM figures, including Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives) and Hassan Joho (Mining), as well as Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, have been mentioned in political circles as possible contenders for the deputy president position, although none has publicly declared an interest.
Political observers say the timing of coalition negotiations could determine how smoothly the two parties manage internal competition while keeping rival political formations guessing.
Oburu also used the event to rally ODM supporters to register as voters, saying the party's bargaining power in coalition talks would depend on the strength of its electoral support.
"ODM members gave me the honour of being their leader. I cannot mislead you. I will only take you to where there is honey," he said.
He urged eligible voters, particularly young people who have attained voting age, to acquire national identity cards and register with the electoral commission.
"You have heard (Interior Principal Secretary Raymond) Omollo say there are one million people who have attained the age for taking voters' cards but are yet to do so," Oburu said.
"As your leader, the biggest strength I have is your votes. That is what is giving me power."
He argued that coalition negotiations are ultimately driven by political numbers rather than rhetoric.
"When we go for negotiations, we can only get goodies when we deliver enough votes and elective seats," he said.
Oburu said ODM was rolling out grassroots mobilisation efforts beginning with its traditional support base in Nyanza before expanding to other regions.
"I am starting this journey with you. You are my base. When I go for this fight, I must start with you."
He further urged residents to obtain national identity cards, saying the government had introduced measures to speed up processing.
"We have put in place plans. If you apply for an ID today, you get it within six days," he said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The remarks signal ODM's strategy of strengthening its grassroots support ahead of coalition bargaining, with the party seeking to enter negotiations from a position of electoral strength. Analysts say Oburu's insistence on delaying formal talks suggests ODM is keen to maximise its leverage while avoiding premature political commitments that could trigger internal divisions or give opponents time to reorganise before the 2027 contest.
