Oburu Oginga Clarifies ODM’s Position on Deputy President’s Seat Amid Ongoing UDA Talks
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has moved to clarify the party’s position regarding ongoing political engagements with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), stating that ODM is indeed interested in the deputy president’s position as part of any future political arrangement.
He explained that his earlier remarks had been misunderstood and stressed that the party’s position is not driven by personal differences with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Speaking during recent political events, Oburu said ODM’s focus remains on securing elective positions that reflect the support the party enjoys across the country.
According to him, the party’s demands are based on political strength and public mandate rather than personal rivalries or hostility toward individuals currently holding office.
He emphasised that ODM respects Kindiki personally and holds no grudge against him, but maintained that the deputy president’s office remains a legitimate political target in any future negotiations.
The clarification marks a noticeable shift from statements Oburu made earlier in Kisumu, where he appeared to suggest that ODM was not interested in pursuing the deputy president’s seat in a possible alliance with Kenya Kwanza.
During the Nyota Capital disbursement event held in Kisumu on Monday, February 2, the veteran politician had framed ODM’s engagement with the government as being motivated by national interest and the need for inclusive governance rather than the pursuit of positions.
At that time, Oburu highlighted that ODM is a national party that represents Kenyans from different regions and communities, not just Luo Nyanza.
He noted that the party already holds influential Cabinet positions, including the Treasury and Energy ministries, and argued that ODM’s involvement in government discussions should be viewed within the broader context of national development and stability.
However, while addressing supporters in Mombasa on Wednesday, February 11, Oburu clarified that his earlier comments were taken out of context.
Speaking to a cheering crowd of ODM members, he explained that what he meant was that the party has no personal issue with the current deputy president, but that the office itself remains a political position open for contest in future elections.
He reiterated that ODM, like any other political party, has the right to seek elective positions based on democratic competition.
During the same address, Oburu also turned his attention to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of sidelining ODM during previous political arrangements under the Azimio coalition.
He claimed that despite the political handshake between Uhuru and Raila Odinga, ODM did not receive what he described as fair representation in Cabinet appointments.
According to Oburu, promises were allegedly made regarding political support that were never fulfilled, leading to dissatisfaction within the party.
The Siaya senator further accused the former president of attempting to influence ODM’s internal affairs, urging him to allow the party to make its own political decisions moving forward.
He argued that ODM must now focus on charting its own political path without external interference as it prepares for future electoral contests.
On the question of the 2027 General Election, Oburu said the party has not yet made a final decision on whether it will support President Ruto’s re-election bid.
He explained that discussions between ODM and UDA are still ongoing and that any eventual agreement will depend on shared political interests and mutual understanding. He added that ODM would not hesitate to reconsider its position if key issues are not addressed during negotiations.
Oburu concluded by noting that the party remains committed to the current broad-based political arrangement and is focused on implementing the agreed 10-point agenda with its partners.
He maintained that ODM’s priority is to ensure that the interests of its supporters are represented while keeping open the possibility of forming new alliances or contesting independently should circumstances change ahead of the 2027 polls.
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