ODM leader Oburu Oginga has maintained that he will not lead the party out of the broad-based government arrangement but will instead continue negotiations with UDA to secure what he described as a beneficial political deal for the Luo community beyond the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the burial of his cousin, Prof. Jacob Ogweno Midiwo, in Gem Constituency, Oburu said he would not abandon the broad-based government because of pressure from an ODM splinter group opposed to the arrangement.
“The late Raila Odinga was not wrong when he led us into the broad-based government. Our journey with the ruling administration has not disappointed the Luo community. The gains we have witnessed since the formation of the broad-based government are an assurance of a better future for our people,” he said.
Flanked by Raila Odinga’s widow Ida Odinga and Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode, Oburu insisted that he would not lead ODM in a direction that could jeopardise the community’s political interests.
“It is true that the crisis triggered by the Gen Z protests opened the door for ODM experts to join government and help stabilise the country. We may have entered government through the window, but going forward, we want to be part of the team that forms the government so that we can negotiate for a better stake in the next administration,” he said.
Oburu assured ODM supporters that he would remain focused on advancing the interests of the party and its supporters.
He praised Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi and James Opiyo Wandayi, saying they had performed well in their respective ministries and had demonstrated commitment to serving Kenyans.
According to Oburu, criticism directed at the broad-based arrangement would not derail ongoing negotiations between ODM and UDA.
“We have made up our minds to negotiate with UDA. That is the mandate given to me by those who entrusted me with the leadership of the party,” he said.
He called for unity within the Luo community, arguing that political cohesion would strengthen their bargaining power.
“Because we are in a broad-based government, negotiations are still ongoing. With unity, we shall achieve our objectives and ensure that in future we enter government through the front door, not the window,” he added.
Oburu also urged leaders associated with the ODM faction critical of the arrangement, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, to work together in advancing the community’s interests.
“A divided team cannot win any battle or go far. It is better for us to remain united, just as we did when Raila was alive,” he said.
He revealed that he had embarked on a mission to reconcile and unite ODM leaders.
“I am on a mission to gather all and scatter none. I will not tire until we come together,” he said.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda said the current divisions within ODM were not unexpected following Raila Odinga’s death.
“When a giant umbrella tree that sheltered many people falls, those beneath it scatter in different directions. Raila was an institution that nurtured many leaders. Now that he is no longer with us, some are moving in different directions, but the time will come when Luos unite again,” Ochanda said.
He maintained that ODM had remained strong under Oburu’s leadership and credited Raila’s sacrifices for the party’s continued existence.
“Building a political party is not easy. Raila sacrificed a lot to ensure ODM remained strong. I urge party leaders to remain patient and support Oburu because he means well for the Luo community,” he said.
Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor also called for unity, saying the community needed order and cohesion.
“Unity is strength, and as a community we must remain organised and focused,” he said.
At the same event, former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo defended President William Ruto’s administration, saying the broad-based government had delivered significant development projects to the Nyanza region.
“In the two years of the broad-based government, this region has received more development than ever before. There are currently projects worth about Sh220 billion across Nyanza,” Gumbo said.
He claimed Kisumu County was leading with projects worth Sh67.3 billion, followed by Siaya with Sh51.4 billion, while Homa Bay and Migori counties had projects valued at about Sh50.5 billion each.
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