ODM leader Oburu Oginga has once again called for unity within the party, urging former members who walked away to return and strengthen its ranks ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the funeral of journalist Festus Amimo on Friday, Oburu said the responsibility left to him after Raila Odinga’s passing has deepened his resolve to steer the party forward.
“When Raila died, our people left me with the mantle of being the party leader of ODM. That responsibility has not defeated me. I am holding that mantle firmly,” he said.
He stressed that ODM’s progress depends on collective effort and appealed for reconciliation:
“ODM is our ship. It is the vessel we will use to cross to ‘Canaan’, but I can only move forward if you give me your hands and your support. To those who rebelled, even if you were agitated or walked away, I ask you to come back. Let us sit together, speak in one voice and move forward as a united force.”
Oburu also defended the party’s participation in the broad-based government, emphasizing the need to be part of future government formation to negotiate better outcomes for their supporters:
“In the coming government, we must be part of the government formation so that we can bargain for more for our people.”
He further highlighted ODM’s national character:
“ODM is not ours alone. It is a party for all people, from every community. Let us join hands, remain together, grow stronger, and move forward as one with other communities.”
Among those attending the funeral, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi urged ODM members to rally behind President William Ruto for the next elections, warning that individuals attempting a presidential bid lack sufficient resources and support.
“Currently, there is no one prepared with adequate resources to stage a presidential run; I will not be party to such,” Wandayi said.
Meanwhile, ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga cautioned that the party risks weakening if it ignores its current influence. She stressed that broad-based government agreements prevent other parties from encroaching into ODM strongholds.
“We are in a broad-based government as ODM, and amongst our agreements is that there is no encroachment,” Wanga said.
