ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has dismissed claims that the party is being divided, asserting that the outfit remains intact and focused on consolidating power ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Wednesday, Oburu emphasized that no factional pressure would be allowed to destabilize the party. Instead, he said, ODM is strengthening its grassroots and national structures to increase its bargaining power in the next polls.
“Those who want to break ODM, it will never happen in my hands. We shall not allow ODM to be divided. We are going to move forward and make ODM stronger so that when it comes to 2027, we are either going to do it alone or we go with parties with which we shall negotiate a good deal to work together,” Oburu said.
He further clarified that ODM is not preparing to remain in opposition. “There is nothing like forming a party to be in the opposition. I’m not going to lead my party to be in the opposition, I’m going to lead my party to be in the government,” he stated.
The remarks come amid rising tensions within ODM over the party’s future following the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s exit from frontline politics. Internal disagreements have emerged over whether the party should continue cooperating with President William Ruto’s administration or adopt a more independent stance ahead of 2027.
The tensions were highlighted by ODM EALA MP Winnie Odinga, Raila’s youngest daughter, who has criticized elements within the party for secretly negotiating ODM’s future in closed-door meetings.
Winnie accused some leaders of attempting to “sell the party” and called for a National Delegates Conference to redefine ODM’s direction.
“ODM is not a party that was secretly birthed. Some of us are walking with us during the day, but at night are hatching plans to sell our party. That will not be possible,” Winnie said. “It was born out of protest, made in resistance, and the people of ODM have bled time and again and shed tears for this country.”
Oburu sought to calm tensions, publicly dismissing Winnie’s call for an NDC but promising a private discussion to address her concerns.
Analysts say the exchange underscores the delicate balancing act facing ODM as it seeks to remain united while charting its strategy for the next election cycle.
