President William Ruto shares a light moment with Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga when he visited Siaya County on January 14, 2023.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has announced that the party will make its final political decision by June 2026 on either to support President William Ruto’s bid for a second term or to pursue an alternative path.
Speaking at a thanksgiving prayer held at the home of Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi, Dr Oginga said that, for now, the party would remain within the broad-based outfit.
The Siaya Senator noted that ODM would first complete all political alignments before making a definitive announcement.
In his address, Dr Oginga hinted at backing President Ruto’s re-election bid, observing that if faced with a choice between President Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the party would opt for the former.
“We shall complete all the political alignments by June 2026. It won’t go beyond June, I can assure you,” said Senator Oginga, brother of the late ODM leader, Raila Odinga.
“As the party leader of ODM, I am limited, unlike other leaders. I cannot, for instance, declare one term or two terms. We shall sit and formulate a pre-poll agreement before giving the people direction.”
Dr Oginga also underscored the need to strengthen the party by urging young people to register as voters and build numerical strength ahead of the 2027 polls. He called on leaders to champion unity among the electorate, noting that cohesion would enhance the party’s bargaining power.
Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi.
CS Wandayi criticised leaders opposing the broad-based formation, saying their reckless rhetoric neither builds unity nor honours the cause begun by the late former Prime Minister.
“And let me say this, for the avoidance of doubt. Those who are making noise out there were not present when we were negotiating this broad-based government.
“The noise they are making is not helpful. Baba was a foremost negotiator. Imagine a government where the Cabinet, as stipulated by the Constitution, has no more than 22 members - and a government our party and our people did not vote for - yet he secured six slots,” said the former Ugunja lawmaker.
Mr Wandayi further stated that ODM would enter into a pre-election pact with the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Any time, every time political parties enter coalition agreements, there is naturally some form of negotiation. Such negotiations must be guided by the spirit of give and take. Therefore, those making noise, their noise is premature,” he said.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang called for a shift in strategy to better serve the public, while remaining steadfast in purpose.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang'.
“In the struggle, you must change strategy, and I agree that we must change strategy, but even as we do so, we cannot change the course. The course must remain constant: a Kenya where everyone feels at home,” said Senator Kajwang.
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