ODM interim leader Dr Oburu Oginga has drawn a bold red line in Kenya’s post-Raila Odinga politics — declaring that the party will not settle for anything less than the Deputy President’s seat in 2027.
In his most candid exclusive interview with NTV and Daily Nation , Dr Oginga fired the first major shot in the 2027 succession race, declaring that the party will not return to opposition — and that the lowest seat it will bargain for in 2027 is the deputy presidency.
His blunt statement, analysts say, could ignite debate over the future of DP Prof Kithure Kindiki should ODM party decide to stick with President William Ruto , or even unsettle the United Opposition, which is currently working on a power-sharing formula, should the outfit sever links with Dr Ruto and join the opposition.
“If we have to go for a lower position, it must not be lower than number two (deputy president) in any formation. That is my take. We should not take less than that,” Dr Oginga declared in the interview.
Inside ODM with Oburu Oginga
He explained that the ODM party must reawaken its grassroots engine and remain united in a bid to maintain its strength for better future negotiations.
Dr Oginga’s remarks come amid mounting confusion within the party about its political direction after Odinga’s death.
Some senior figures have publicly endorsed President Ruto for a second term, while others—led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna—maintain that ODM has yet to make a 2027 decision.
Dr Oginga, however, is clear: Mr Sifuna’s stance reflects the official party position.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga (second right) and Secretary-General Edwin Watenya Sifuna address members of the press in Nairobi on October 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
“Sifuna was within his rights to say the party has not made a position about 2027. That is the current position on the matter,” he said, dismissing talk of any plot to remove the secretary general as “ill-timed and divisive.”
Dr Oginga revealed that ODM’s participation in President Ruto’s “broad-based government” is guided by a 10-point memorandum of understanding signed between ODM and President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), on March 8 this year.
“This participation does not talk about 2027. It is about implementing people-oriented issues. Once those are fully implemented, 2027 will take care of itself,” he explained. The Siaya Senator added that ODM remains free to explore future alliances, depending on how faithfully the current agreement is honoured.
“We are not tied. If we feel shortchanged, we are free to talk to anyone else. But if this partnership works, nothing prevents us from working together again,” he noted. He confirmed that a joint implementation committee is already reviewing progress on the 10-point agenda and the resolutions from the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco).
The 10-point agenda underpinning the cooperation between ODM and President Ruto’s UDA inked on March 8, 2025, includes the full implementation of the Nadco report, inclusivity in appointments, protection of devolution, youth empowerment, and upholding constitutional freedoms such as the right to protest and press freedom.
Dr Oginga’s remarks come as ODM grapples with internal disquiet over its place in government. A section of leaders within the party’s rank and file, including their former officials seconded to the Cabinet like John Mbadi (Treasury) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), have been vocal in their support for Dr Ruto’s broad-based administration, a position Dr Oginga appears to regard as personal rather than institutional.
“Those of us who are in government, like Mbadi and Wandayi, are now part of the administration. They can speak for themselves, but not for the party,” he clarified.
Dr Oginga believes Raila Odinga’s final political act—agreeing to a partnership with Dr Ruto—was meant to stabilise the country after a wave of deadly protests that had shaken the state to its core.
“Raila saw that the demonstrations were pushing the country towards instability. He told us joining hands with Ruto was the only way to avert chaos. And he was right,” Dr Oginga recalled.
Though he says the late Odinga did not leave a written succession note, Dr Oginga claims his brother was explicit about one thing—the party should never return to opposition.
“Raila always said ODM must be in government. Being in opposition was never an option again,” he recounted.
The decision to join Dr Ruto, Dr Oginga says, was after wide consultations in all regions, and he says it explains why ODM heavyweights such as John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya and Beatrice Askul —each formerly senior party officials—are serving in Ruto’s Cabinet.
President William Ruto shares a light moment with Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga when he visited Siaya County on January 14, 2023.
Photo credit: Tonny Omondi | Nation Media Group
“Those are our people. You can interpret their presence in government as you wish, but the truth is, they represent the party’s new pragmatic path,” he said pointedly.
On the broader opposition landscape, Dr Oginga offered a candid assessment of the figures eyeing the presidency in 2027.
On Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka , Dr Oginga says: “Kalonzo brings a strong block to the table. But we cannot support him if he is not in our formation.”
“I have not seen much politics in him,” Dr Oginga observed.
He admitted knowing little about former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, though he recalled working closely with Dr Matiang’i in Parliament when the former Interior CS supported reforms that enhanced parliamentary oversight in budgeting.
Of former Chief Justice David Maraga, Dr Oginga says:
“He is a good man, a fine judge, but I don’t see much politics in him.”
And of People’s Liberation Party’s Martha Karua, who was Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential running mate in 2022, Dr Oginga offers a mix of admiration and caution:
“She is tough, rigid, a fighter—but she can be dictatorial if given a chance. I don’t think she has the influence to capture the country.”
As ODM interim party leader, Dr Oginga is acutely aware of the whispers branding the outfit a family project, but pushes back, insisting his elevation followed proper party procedure.
“ODM is not Jaramogi’s party. His party was Ford Kenya, now led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. I was appointed by the NEC as acting party leader after Raila’s death, not by my family,” he said.
He revealed that his appointment was proposed by ODM co-deputy party leader, who is also Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and backed by the National Executive Committee on the morning they received Odinga’s body at the airport.
“I was in shock when I was told. But I think my experience gives me the ability to guide this party to stability,” he said.
Amid the perceived generational rift within ODM—highlighted by the succession jostling following Odinga’s death, — Dr Oginga downplayed talk of internal rebellion.
“I believe in the youth taking over. But there’s no fight between old and young. People differ on ideas, not generations,” he said.
As the scramble for succession in Nyanza begins, four key figures have been touted as the people to watch, including Cabinet Secretaries Wandayi and Mbadi, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
During the interview, Dr Oginga added that even Mr Owino’s supporters chanting his name at Odinga’s funeral were simply exercising democratic expression.
“I don’t think anyone disrespected the family. Politics evokes emotion, but we are united,” he insisted. As Kenya edges closer to 2027, Dr Oginga envisions a coalition-driven contest where ODM will be a decisive player—whether aligned with Dr Ruto or not- but emphasises the need for the party members and leaders to remain united, focused and up to the task.
