ODM party leader Oburu Odinga on Friday, March 20, in Kisumu, emphasised the party’s commitment to maintain and strengthen its political collaboration with President William Ruto’s UDA ahead of the August 2027 elections.
Speaking during an Eid luncheon hosted by President William Ruto at the Kisumu State Lodge, Oburu underlined the importance of negotiating with known partners rather than seeking alliances with unfamiliar players.
"We are sitting down here with power. How can I leave power to go and look with shareholders? People who are dividing this country through shareholding?" Oburu said, stressing his preference for consolidating influence within existing frameworks rather than chasing uncertain political partnerships.
The Siaya Senator cited the achievements of the Broad-based government arrangement as a key reason for ODM’s approach.
According to him, the partnership has brought tangible progress and development to ODM strongholds, making it logical to continue engaging with UDA.
"We are negotiating with him. We are not going to go out of this arrangement called broad-based and start looking for the unknown. First, you start with the known, then go on to the unknown later, after you have gone to see your Lord," Oburu stated.
Oburu also defended President Ruto’s response to verbal attacks from leaders of the United Opposition, saying: "I know that you have been abused for a long time, but I did not know that you were keeping those 'guns' somewhere. Now that you have released them, people are crying."
His remarks were supported by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.
Wanga assured the President of ODM’s backing under the 'Tutam' movement for his re-election, while Junet highlighted past injustices, claiming some former leaders involved in extra-judicial killings were now seeking to lead the country.
Junet also cautioned the Muslim community against supporting such individuals, citing his own experiences of victimisation during Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
President Ruto is currently touring counties in the Nyanza region, including Kisumu, for a four-day visit. He is expected to launch several projects, including the extension of the SGR to Kisumu and onwards to Malaba.
The Head of State revealed he had invited his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, to attend the official launch ceremony.
