If the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party makes a pre-election deal with President William Ruto’s team, acting ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has stated that the party will not accept a post below that of deputy president.
In an interview with a local television station on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Oburu stated that the party is now concentrating on fortifying itself prior to negotiating any high-level positions.
“I want to put it this way: I want my ODM members to make the party stronger. Oburu stated, “We will receive nothing if we begin discussing the role we will play there. Being a weak party will make no one respect you or engage in negotiations. Our focus is on fortifying ODM so that we can engage in negotiations for the nation’s top spot,” Oburu added.
He added that if the party were to settle for the lowest position, it must be lower than number two, and that would depend on how hard they work to strengthen ODM.
Oburu also reflected on his recent nomination as interim party leader by the ODM National Executive Committee, describing the appointment as a shock.
“I was taken aback when ODM NEC selected me as the interim party leader,” he remarked.
Leader of the ODM Party
The acting leader of ODM rejected claims that the party is simply a family legacy, asserting that ODM is for all its members.
“ODM is not a family legacy; it’s not Jaramogi’s party. Jaramogi’s party is led by Moses Wetangula,” Oburu asserted.
He further warned certain leaders who have been disseminating false information suggesting that ODM has endorsed President Ruto’s reelection campaign.
Oburu stressed that the party remains autonomous, dedicated to strengthening its position, and will only engage in negotiations from a place of power.
“Our main goal is to develop the party, bring our members together, and ensure that we enter into any political agreements with transparency and respect,” he stated, cautioning that undermining ODM by hastily entering into agreements without adequate preparation would only weaken its bargaining power.
These statements highlight ODM’s approach as it prepares for the 2027 General Election, indicating that the party aims to utilize its internal strength to secure important roles in any pre-election negotiations.
