ODM insists it will not settle for less than deputy president seat in 2027
Party Leader Oburu Oginga maintained that the party will only negotiate for top positions from a position of strength, and not desperation.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has declared it will not accept any position lower than that of the Deputy President in any pre-election coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview with NTV, Party Leader Oburu Oginga maintained that the party will only negotiate for top positions from a position of strength, and not desperation.
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“If we have to go for a lower position, it must not be lower than number two (deputy president) in any formation. That is my take. We should not take less than that,” he said.
Oginga said ODM’s priority is to rebuild and unite its grassroots base to retain influence in national politics.
“I want my people of ODM to strengthen the ODM as a party. If we are going to start talking about the position we will occupy there, we will get nothing,” he said.
“Nobody will respect you or negotiate with you if you are a weak party. Our emphasis is on strengthening ODM so that we can negotiate for the top position in the land.”
He added that only a strong and united ODM can secure meaningful political leverage in any talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) or other political formations.
Oginga’s remarks come amid uncertainty over ODM’s future direction following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga. Some party members have publicly supported President Ruto’s re-election bid, while others, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, maintain that ODM is yet to take a position on 2027.
“Sifuna was within his rights to say the party has not made a position about 2027. That is the current position on the matter,” Oginga said, dismissing talk of removing the secretary general as “ill-timed and divisive.”
The Siaya Senator confirmed that ODM’s involvement in President Ruto’s “broad-based government” is guided by a 10-point memorandum of understanding signed between ODM and UDA on March 8, 2025.
“This participation does not talk about 2027. It is about implementing people-oriented issues. Once those are fully implemented, 2027 will take care of itself,” he said.
Oginga explained that the agreement covers areas such as the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, inclusivity in public appointments, protection of devolution, youth empowerment and upholding of constitutional freedoms, including the right to protest and press freedom.
He said a joint implementation committee is already monitoring progress on the 10-point agenda and NADCO resolutions.
Oginga added that ODM remains free to explore future alliances depending on how faithfully the current pact is honoured.
“We are not tied. If we feel shortchanged, we are free to talk to anyone else. But if this partnership works, nothing prevents us from working together again,” he said.
He noted that cabinet secretaries like John Mbadi (Treasury) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), who are serving in President Ruto’s Cabinet, represent personal decisions rather than ODM’s official position.
“Those of us who are in government, like Mbadi and Wandayi, are now part of the administration. They can speak for themselves, but not for the party,” he said.
Oginga said the late Raila Odinga’s decision to join hands with President Ruto stemmed from the need to stabilise the country after deadly protests.
“Raila saw that the demonstrations were pushing the country towards instability. He told us joining hands with Ruto was the only way to avert chaos. And he was right,” he said.
He revealed that although Raila left no written succession note, he made it clear that ODM should not return to opposition.
“Raila always said ODM must be in government. Being in opposition was never an option again,” Oginga said.
The legislator noted that his brother’s decision was reached after wide consultations across the country, which explains why key ODM figures such as Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Beatrice Askul, and Mbadi are serving in President Ruto’s Cabinet.
“Those are our people. You can interpret their presence in government as you wish, but the truth is, they represent the party’s new pragmatic path,” he said.
He also weighed in on other 2027 presidential hopefuls.
“Kalonzo brings a strong block to the table. But we cannot support him if he is not in our formation,” he said of Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
On former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, recently endorsed by Jubilee Party for president, Oginga said, “He was a faithful civil servant, a hardworking man, but I have not seen much politics in him.”
He said he knew little about former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, but praised former Chief Justice David Maraga as “a fine judge” with “not much politics in him.”
On Martha Karua, ODM’s 2022 presidential running mate, he remarked, “She is tough, rigid, a fighter — but she can be dictatorial if given a chance. I don’t think she has the influence to capture the country.”
Oginga dismissed claims that ODM is a family inheritance, saying his elevation followed proper procedure.
“ODM is not Jaramogi’s party. His party was Ford Kenya, now led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. I was appointed by the NEC as acting party leader after Raila’s death, not by my family,” he said.
He revealed that his appointment was proposed by ODM co-deputy party leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and endorsed by the National Executive Committee.
“I was shocked when ODM NEC nominated me to be the interim party leader,” he said. “But I think my experience gives me the ability to guide this party to stability.”
He downplayed suggestions of a generational rift within ODM, saying the ongoing differences were ideological, not personal.
“I believe in the youth taking over. But there’s no fight between old and young. People differ on ideas, not generations,” he said.
He reaffirmed ODM’s resolve to remain a decisive political force in 2027.
“Our priority is to build the party, unite our members, and ensure we enter into any political agreements with clarity and dignity,” he said.
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