The Oburu Oginga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) team has downplayed fears of a ruptured party split down the middle, insisting that they are the bona fide officials, with the backing of the majority, and geared towards a mega political deal with President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.
While they said they will not expel anyone, the members led by the party leader, Oburu Oginga, said anyone is allowed to leave at their free will if they feel uncomfortable with the party activities.
Dr Oginga, who was speaking during the ODM party Linda Ground (Protect the base) rally in Siaya Town, maintained that the party is now more focused on strengthening and unifying its members in its bid to remain dominant.
“What we want is unity. We are not expelling anyone from the party; anybody who feels uncomfortable can leave if they like,” said Dr Oginga.
This, he said, while maintaining that the party is already in negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I do not know why some people are saying we are in a hurry yet everyone is preparing for next year’s elections .ODM will not be left behind ,we will do our own things ,if you are not part of us do your own things ,we want to tell you to leave us alone,” said Dr Oginga.
ODM Leader Oburu Oginga at Linda Ground in Siaya County.
Photo credit: Pool
His sentiments were echoed by the National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who maintained that the party remains strong and stable under the leadership of Dr Oginga.
The minority leader took on the faction group, claiming that the ODM party is not one to be threatened since it is a national party.
He claimed that the faction party has fewer political members while the group led by Dr Oginga has the largest share of leaders.
He further claimed that the party would only make known its next move once done with coalition talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“We will announce the direction after we have sat with the ruling party and known what we will get from the coalition, it is then that we will come back and decide who we will support,” said Mr Mohamed.
He added, “There are those saying they knew Mr Odinga more than even the brother Dr Oginga, is that even possible. Those are liars and conmen, and we will make sure they never retain their political seats.
While addressing the ODM supporters, Dr Oginga said they are set to kick off negotiations of policies, development programs and sharing of positions, which includes sharing of power.
He also announced that ODM had exited Azimio, and the party has since passed resolutions to formalise the decision.
This, he said while welcoming back former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo to the party.
“At least we know where we are headed to and what we want, the faction group has only been opposed to Dr Ruto but they are yet to make public what they want,” he said.
“There is no political party formed in this world just to be in opposition. We have been there for a long time and those who want to oppose us can teach them .For now we are going to make sure we are in power,” he added.
Other leaders present at the event included ODM Chair Lady Gladys Wanga, Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi, his Treasury counterpart John Mbadi and Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Ali Joho, among other political leaders.
CS Wandayi pledged his support to Dr Oginga to kick-start re-election coalition agreements with the UDA party.
He said the move was necessary following the support President William Ruto gave to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Meanwhile, the CS called out Siaya Governor James Orengo, claiming that he has been aimlessly walking around, forgetting about his gubernatorial duties.
“We must agree as Siaya people that the only development we are seeing is that of the national government alone. Siaya Governor has been disturbing the late Odinga and now that he is no more, he is on his brother's case,” he said.
He added, “Today, whoever is not here, is not with the Luo community. I cannot talk about the incoming governor, but what I am sure of is the governor who will not secure another term in office,” he said.
