Senator Oburu Oginga addressed a large crowd at Linda Ground in Siaya County on Saturday, making it clear that ODM is not pushing out members, but anyone who feels out of place is free to leave.
He told supporters that the party is committed to structured planning around governance, development projects, and distribution of political roles.
“We are not expelling anybody from the party, but anybody who feels uncomfortable with us is free to leave,” he said, adding that future negotiations will be practical and results-oriented, rather than just forming political alliances.
Oburu explained that discussions will centre on policy frameworks, community development, and sharing of government positions. “We are going to negotiate on policies, development programmes and the sharing of positions, which includes the sharing of power,” he said.
Reflecting on ODM’s history, Oburu noted that the party has spent years in opposition and is determined to gain a place in the next administration. “There is no political party that is formed just to remain in opposition. We have been in opposition for a long time, and this time round we are going to make sure that we are in power,” he said.
He said the rally was meant to strengthen the party’s grassroots support and chart a clear course ahead of the upcoming General Election. “We have gathered here in Siaya as the ODM community to discuss how to strengthen our party so that it remains a leading party. We want to remain united,” he added.
Oburu countered claims that the party is moving too quickly into negotiations, insisting that preparation is a necessary step. “I don’t know why some people are saying we are in a hurry. We are not, because people are already preparing for the next General Election. We cannot sit back,” he said.
On the status of the Azimio coalition, Oburu said it effectively ended when ODM left. “There is an organisation called Azimio, and I want to tell you it died the same day ODM left it. We left it a long time ago, but we had not formalised it. It is no more,” he stated.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi supported Oburu, saying the party is focused on securing leadership through lawful engagement.
“Oburu is the party leader of ODM. The other camp is not in ODM, and we do not know them,” Wandayi said, adding his endorsement of pre-election talks with President William Ruto. “President William Ruto has walked with our community for a very long time. I support the pre-election negotiations pact that Oburu is going to lead and do with President William Ruto,” he said.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi hailed the rally as a milestone for both the county and the party. “We are here as an ODM party brigade. ODM is currently operating within a broad-based government arrangement and as a party, we only recognise Senator Oburu Oginga as our leader who will steer us forward,” he said.
