The leader of the ODM party, Oburu Odinga, has rejected efforts to split the party, stating that it remains unified and committed as the 2027 General Election approaches.
Oburu ruled out the possibility of factional pressure destabilising the party, noting that instead, ODM is gearing up to fortify its grassroots and national organisations.
The politician observed that the party is strengthening its voter base in order to enhance its negotiating leverage before the upcoming elections.
On Wednesday, Oburu denied allegations that ODM was preparing to continue in opposition, insisting that the party is aiming for leadership.
No one will be able to break ODM while I am in charge. We cannot permit ODM to be split. We’re planning to move forward and bolster ODM so that by 2027, we will either accomplish this independently or collaborate with parties that we will negotiate favourable terms with. As the party leader explained, that is exactly what our party is all about.
Forming a party is the best way to become part of the opposition. I will not lead my party into opposition, I will lead my party into government.
The ODM has been experiencing internal tensions as rival groups attempt to influence the party’s direction following Raila Odinga’s tenure.
Oburu’s leadership, supported by key party institutions, is seen as a continuation of Raila’s legacy and an attempt to maintain unity within ODM, which is one of Kenya’s most influential political parties.
His comments coincide with ODM’s preparations for crucial upcoming organisational events, which comprise fortifying grassroots networks and readying for nationwide engagements anticipated to influence the party’s trajectory during the next electoral period.
Winnie Odinga’s EALA sentiments seemed to have sparked intense debate and energized ODM, prompting sharp reactions across the political spectrum.
Winnie, the youngest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila, addressed supporters and party leaders, condemning what she perceives as a gradual betrayal within the ODM party.
She alleged that a portion of ODM leaders were conducting clandestine meetings “in boardrooms and bedrooms” to discuss the party’s future and potentially “sell out” ODM at a time when it is still undecided about whether to maintain its collaboration with President William Ruto’s administration or take a more assertive, independent approach by 2027.
“She asserted that ODM was not a party born in secret.”
During the day, some of us are participating with the party, but at night, we are secretly plotting to sell out the party. It will be impossible. She stated that the party wasn’t formed in a boardroom.
This device was not manufactured in a bedroom, and its future will not be brought up in casual conversation. The people of ODM have sacrificed time and again and cried tears of sorrow for this country, born out of protest and made in resistance.
Raila’s elder brother, Oburu, attempted to ease the escalating tensions following Winnie’s call for the holding of a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to re-evaluate ODM’s bond with the government.
Oburu publicly rejected her proposal, but he agreed to hold a private meeting with her to discuss the concerns she had brought up.
