Oburu Oginga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), stated that his party will join forces with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) starting in 2027 and continuing after. He said the planned coalition will hand ODM a larger role.
Oburu made these comments at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. He spoke during a fundraiser to empower widows on Sunday, December 28, 2025. He called Ruto the founder of ODM. He added that partnering with him will help ODM strongholds grow through better development.
ODM works hand in hand with UDA in a wide-ranging government. Oburu said his late brother, former Premier Raila Odinga, guided them into this setup. They planned to stay until 2027, as Raila directed. Now Oburu leads the party. He said they will extend the partnership past 2027. It depends on how the government treats them.
Oburu on ODM’s future
Oburu said he will not risk Kenyan lives in 2027. ODM must join the next government. People with other views should accept that fact.
He plans to demand more positions as talks restart. The talks between ODM and UDA will unite Ruto supporters and those with different opinions.
Oburu warned doubters of a surprise.
I lead ODM. Anyone who questions me should know I hold the top spot. My decisions stand above all. We will take a bigger piece.
Party for all
Oburu stressed that ODM belongs to every Kenyan. During talks, they will consider areas where the party holds sway.
He praised President Ruto for giving Nyanza its fair share of resources. Past governments withheld them. Ruto set aside divisive talk from ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The current government cares for our people. Ruto made sure Nyanza got what it deserves. Oburu asked him to keep sending those funds. That way, people will feel part of the government.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi agreed with Oburu. He called Ruto the right choice for 2027.
Holding executive power feels great. Without someone to fight for you at the table, your community suffers. Other areas will advance. Yours will get little or nothing.
Wandayi said Nyanza fell behind for years. It was not due to laziness among Luos. Past governments cut off their resources. No strong voice pushed for the community’s needs.
We had MPs, senators, and MCAs. Still, growth in the region stalled.
