ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has urged members to uphold internal discipline and respect party resolutions, cautioning against public contradictions and outside interference, particularly from the Azimio coalition.
Speaking to the party’s Executive Committee in Mombasa on Wednesday, Oginga emphasized that while members have the right to voice minority opinions, the decisions of the majority must guide the party’s direction.
“I am very disappointed. Sometimes we just come here, we agree, and then when we go out, we say something else. Democracy does not mean chaos. Democracy must have some discipline,” Oginga said, comparing ODM to a club where members are expected to follow established rules.
“That is the cardinal principle of democracy, which I want our party to adhere to,” he added noting that minority views must be heard, but majority decisions prevail
Oginga also paid tribute to the late Raila Odinga, describing him as “my brother, my friend, my comrade, my confidant,” and called on members to build on the foundation Odinga established.
He reminded the committee that Raila had positioned ODM within a broad-based government and stressed the importance of continuing to work with partners while carefully implementing the party’s 10-point agenda.
“Life must continue, and it is an honor. I will do my best until I go to the grave,” Oginga said, highlighting his commitment to the party’s growth and stability.
On coalition strategy, Oginga reiterated ODM’s measured approach to negotiations, stressing patience and careful planning.
“We are not in a hurry to say one term. We are strengthening our party to prepare ourselves for negotiations. First, we start with our current partners, and as we move on, if we don’t agree, we go it alone as ODM,” he said, underlining the party’s stance on alliances.
Oginga also condemned attempts by external actors to influence ODM’s decisions, asserting the party’s dominance within the Azimio coalition.
“We are the Azimio, the majority. There is nobody who can make a decision in Azimio without concurrence of ODM. Somebody should not be floating something which is moribund,” he said, signaling that ODM plans to formally exit the coalition after having already distanced itself in practice.
He encouraged members to engage openly in discussions, emphasizing that unity and adherence to agreed policies are critical to the party’s strength.
“I hope that our party will continue to be strong. Let members discuss freely and without restrictions, and we shall make necessary solutions as we go on,” Oginga said, urging collective problem-solving to guide ODM forward.
