BONDO, Siaya County—ODM leader Oburu Oginga has defended the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, insisting the broad-based government arrangement is a strategic move to advance ODM’s agenda as the party prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Oburu made the declaration in a speech delivered by Kisii Governor Simba Arati during the first anniversary commemoration of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday.
The Siaya senator, who missed the event on doctors’ advice, used the message to reassure party members that ODM remained politically active despite the loss of its longtime leader, while urging supporters to remain disciplined and focused on the movement’s future.
“I want to confirm to you today that the Orange Democratic Movement’s current broad-based approach is neither a fallacy nor a betrayal of our long-standing struggle. Rather, it is a sophisticated, deliberate continuation of it,” Oburu said.
He argued that working with the government offered ODM an opportunity to influence national policy and advance its priorities on economic equity, devolution and institutional integrity.
“The best and most effective way for us as a political party to fully realise Baba’s vision for Kenya is to strategically position ourselves to form the next government. We are laying that ground now from a position of numbers and unyielding structural strength,” he said.
The remarks underline the direction Oburu’s leadership is advancing as ODM navigates the political landscape without Raila, who played a central role in shaping the party’s identity, alliances and electoral strategy for more than two decades.
The broad-based arrangement took shape after Raila and Ruto signed a 10-point cooperation agreement in March 2025, setting out commitments on governance, inclusion, devolution and other national issues. The cooperation opened a new phase in relations between the former political rivals, although questions about ODM’s longer-term direction and its relationship with Kenya Kwanza remain central to political debate.
Oburu’s defence of the arrangement comes as the party faces the task of maintaining unity among members with potentially competing views on its future alliances and the road to 2027.
The ODM leader also sought to reassure aspirants that the party would conduct free and fair nominations, including for the Nairobi Senate seat, where competition is already attracting attention.
“I want to promise all our followers that we will have free and fair nominations. That includes the one for the senatorial position in Nairobi and other party positions that we will be having,” he said.
EALA MP Winnie Odinga has declared her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat, while Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has also been mentioned as a possible contender. The party’s nomination process is likely to be closely watched by aspirants seeking assurance that its tickets will be awarded through a credible process.
Oburu’s pledge will therefore test the party’s ability to manage competition internally as it prepares for a general election in which nominations can shape both candidate fortunes and party cohesion.
The senator also addressed his absence from the anniversary, saying doctors had ordered him to observe strict bed rest and avoid public appearances as he continued his recovery.
“While my doctors have mandated a strict regimen of bed rest and ordered zero public appearances for the immediate future to guarantee a full and swift recovery, my heart, mind and spirit are firmly with you at Migwena Cultural Ground,” he said.
Oburu turned 83 on Thursday, the same day that marked one year since Raila died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India.
Describing the date as deeply significant for his family, Oburu paid tribute to his younger brother’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic development, saying Raila had continued the legacy of their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, through his advocacy for democracy, constitutionalism and social justice.
He urged supporters to draw strength from Raila’s political legacy and remain united in pursuing the ideals the former Prime Minister championed.
Oburu also thanked the Kenya Defence Forces for their role in constructing Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi and pointed to the planned Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium in Talanta City as part of the projects associated with his brother’s legacy.
“The Enigma lives on. Our spirit guides us still,” he said.
