Oburu Oginga has announced that he will neither defend his senatorial seat nor vie for any elective position in the 2027 General Election, saying he will instead focus on strengthening the Orange Democratic Movement.
The Siaya Senator said his priority is to grow the party and ensure its long-term stability, adding that his commitment to ODM will remain until his death.
Speaking at St Mary’s Lwak Girls High School on Saturday, Oburu said he assumed party leadership following the death of Raila Odinga, with delegates formally confirming his position during a National Delegates Conference held on Friday.
“The ODM leadership came to me abruptly after the demise of Raila, and I will hold the mantle until death puts us asunder,” Oburu said.
He assured supporters that he would not compromise their interests for personal gain.
“At my age, what do I stand to gain from politics? My main agenda is to ensure our people are economically empowered,” he said.
Oburu noted that political parties are formed with the objective of attaining power, not remaining in opposition.
“All political parties are created to form government. That was the vision of Raila Odinga, but it was thwarted through electoral malpractice,” he added.
The senator, who was accompanied by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary for Children Welfare Services Carren Ageng’o, and Otiende Amollo, said ODM would pursue power through structured political engagement rather than protests.
“We joined the Kenya Kwanza administration and helped stabilise it. Going forward, we want to be part of the next government. Any attempts to derail this will be firmly resisted,” he said.
He added that the party would no longer mobilise supporters for street protests, signalling a shift in strategy.
Oburu urged supporters to trust his leadership, saying his past negotiations had yielded tangible benefits for the party.
“The last negotiations I was involved in secured key government positions, including the Attorney General’s office. Through structured engagement, including future talks with United Democratic Alliance, we expect to secure even more benefits for our people,” he said.
He noted that he would use the mandate granted by party organs during the Special National Delegates Conference to negotiate for positions and opportunities that reflect ODM’s strength.
The ODM leader also cautioned Kenyans against being misled by opposition figures who, he claimed, were rooting for the collapse of the current administration.
At the same time, he challenged ODM members serving in President William Ruto’s administration to deliver tangible results.
“We expect ODM professionals in government to ensure quality service delivery. The difference must be seen in how you execute your mandate,” he said.
Leaders present, including Oluga, Oduor and Ageng’o, welcomed Oburu’s confirmation as party leader, expressing confidence in his leadership.
“We are happy with Oburu’s endorsement. With him at the helm, the party will remain stable,” they said.
Oluga added that a stronger ODM would translate into economic benefits for its supporters.
“ODM must grow and thrive so that its supporters can benefit economically. Many of us are where we are because of the party,” he said, noting that ODM members in government had already facilitated health outreach programmes in the Nyanza region.
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