Orange Democratic Movement party leader Oburu Oginga has firmly dismissed growing calls from within the party questioning his leadership, insisting that ODM remains stable under his stewardship and that he is prepared to face any internal challenge.
Speaking three months after being installed as the party’s substantive leader, Oburu said he has the experience and authority needed to guide the party, even as pressure mounts from a faction pushing for a National Delegates Conference to install new leadership.
Without mentioning names, Oburu appeared to respond directly to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has openly called for an NDC, saying ODM is in safe hands and that his long involvement in senior party engagements places him in a strong position to lead.
He said he was not opposed to the idea of an NDC and revealed that he would soon convene one to settle the matter and affirm his leadership.
“Those who are saying that Oburu was not validly elected, I challenge them to go together with me to the NDC if that is what they want. I will call the NDC very soon. I challenge them to come. I don't fear anyone,” he said on Friday.
The Siaya senator also sought to calm concerns over the direction of the party, stating that ODM would continue operating within the broad-based political arrangement until 2027, despite divisions that have strained internal unity.
He said the party’s current engagement with the government was aimed at ensuring tangible benefits for its supporters, particularly in the Nyanza region, who he said had long been sidelined.
“We are currently working with the government and President William Ruto. We want to see that in the remaining short time, our people gain as much as they should. They should get their share, which they have been denied for many years.”
Oburu assumed the leadership of ODM following the death of his younger brother, Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025. Raila had led the party for two decades and remained its central political figure until his death.
Since Oburu took over, the party has been gripped by internal divisions, mainly over whether ODM should continue supporting the current administration beyond 2027 and back President Ruto’s re-election bid.
One camp, led by secretary general Edwin Sifuna, has opposed extending the cooperation past 2027, arguing against endorsing Ruto for a second term. The disagreement has deepened factional tensions, setting the stage for a potential showdown at the proposed NDC.
