Kisumu, Kenya – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has clarified that the party is not seeking to displace Deputy President Kithure Kindiki amid ongoing dialogue within the broad-based leadership pact.
Speaking during the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business support programme in Kisumu on Monday, February 2, 2026, Oburu reassured that ODM’s negotiations with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) are focused on advancing the party’s agenda and ensuring equitable resource distribution.
“Mr. Deputy President, do not think we want your seat and chase you. You are our friend, but as we negotiate, we will do so according to what our people and party deserve,” Oburu said, poking fun at Kindiki.
Negotiating for Fairness
Oburu emphasized that ODM’s goal is to secure a fair share of the “national cake” for its supporters and the wider Kenyan population.
“Our party is not a Luo party; it is a party for the whole of Kenya, and therefore, we are going to negotiate fairly. We do not want tribal parties, and we will not take anybody’s share. We are only going to make sure that everybody gets a fair share of the national cake,” he added.
He has consistently argued that cooperation between ODM and the government will give the party greater leverage and continuity heading into the 2027 General Election.
Internal Party Debate
Despite Oburu’s stance, critics within ODM particularly younger leaders have voiced opposition to the broad-based government arrangement. They argue that ODM should reassert its identity as an independent opposition party rather than align with the ruling coalition.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga echoed Oburu’s sentiments, stating that the party expects a fair sharing of resources after discussions with UDA ahead of the 2027 polls.
Ruto’s 2027 Ambitions
President William Ruto has declared that he is targeting a decisive victory in the 2027 elections, aiming for a margin of between two and three million votes. He has suggested that a possible coalition with ODM could help secure this outcome.
Conclusion
Oburu Odinga’s remarks highlight ODM’s strategic balancing act between cooperation and independence. While the party leadership sees negotiations with UDA as a pathway to influence and resource equity, internal dissent underscores the challenges of maintaining unity as the 2027 elections draw closer.
