Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has said the party will seek a structured power-sharing arrangement in the next government to secure meaningful influence over national decision-making and development priorities.
Speaking on Sunday during a rally in Kakamega, Oburu argued that ODM must be properly represented in government, warning against settling for symbolic inclusion without real authority.
“ODM’s current participation in the broad-based government arrangement has provided limited space. We entered the government through the window, but for the upcoming government, we shall enter through the door,” Oburu said.
He added that the party would negotiate for a stronger stake than it currently holds, noting that the broad-based arrangement was temporary and insufficient to deliver long-term development gains.
“We shall negotiate and ensure we get more strength than we have in the broad-based arrangement. We want more development in the coming times,” he said.
Oburu maintained that ODM’s long-term objective is full participation in government decision-making. “We want to be properly represented in government. In the future government, we want to share power. We must share power,” he said.
On the same day, ODM concluded its Western Kenya tour under the Linda Ground operation, holding two parallel county delegates’ consultative forums in Kakamega County.
One meeting was organised by Governor Fernandes Barasa at Golf Hotel, while another, convened by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera—who also claims the position of county chairman—took place at Emabole Primary School in Butere Sub-County.
Oburu attended both meetings, underscoring the party’s recognition of the different factions and the importance of unity.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, January 14, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Executive Committee formally mandated party leader President William Ruto to initiate structured coalition negotiations with ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a communiqué issued after a NEC meeting chaired by President Ruto in Nairobi, UDA said it had taken note of ODM’s decision—through its Central Management Committee—to pursue formal talks within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition framework.
The move signals UDA’s intention to formalise and strengthen its growing political partnership with ODM, even as debate continues within the opposition outfit over whether to back President Ruto’s re-election bid.
“The NEC mandated the UDA party leader to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM party to achieve the desired outcome,” the communiqué said, effectively authorising President Ruto to lead coalition talks aimed at shaping a pre-election partnership ahead of 2027.