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ADVERTSiaya Senator and ODM leader Oburu Oginga has expressed confidence that a political partnership between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has sufficient numbers to form Kenya’s next government after the August 2027 General Election.
Oburu said the emerging alliance represents a strategic continuation of the political direction associated with the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, while insisting that the party’s ultimate objective remains unchanged—achieving political power to advance what he described as Kenya’s economic liberation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, Oburu argued that the combined support base of ODM and UDA gives the two parties a formidable electoral advantage.
“Our numbers (ODM-UDA) combined, we are assured to form the next government come August 2027 General elections through democratic process,” Oburu stated.
The Siaya Senator said ODM’s decision to work with UDA should be understood within the broader political strategy inherited from Raila, suggesting that while tactics may evolve, the party’s fundamental political ambitions remain intact.
ADVERT“As ODM, the strategy to achieve all these freedoms and rights might change, but the goal remains the same, which is to form the next government,” he said.
Oburu’s remarks come as Kenya’s political landscape increasingly takes shape ahead of the 2027 elections, with major parties and political formations positioning themselves for what is expected to be a closely contested presidential race.
The proposed ODM-UDA working relationship has generated considerable debate within political circles, particularly given the parties’ historically contrasting political positions. Oburu, however, appears convinced that their combined electoral strength could overcome those historical differences and create a winning coalition.
His comments also come against the backdrop of renewed political tensions in Homa Bay, where ODM supporters clashed with people attending a Linda Mwananchi rally.
The ODM leader strongly condemned the violence, distancing the party from political goonism and calling for those responsible to face the law.
“As ODM, we do not condone goonism in any form, including but not limited to the hiring, training, and funding of individuals to harm others,” he said.
Oburu maintained that political disagreements should never undermine the constitutional rights of Kenyans to move freely around the country or participate in political activities.
He called on the National Police Service to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the Homa Bay incident and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted.
The senator stressed that freedom of movement and political participation are constitutionally protected rights, warning that attempts to prevent Kenyans from exercising those freedoms undermine the democratic gains the country has fought to establish.
Oburu’s intervention comes amid growing scrutiny of political violence as parties begin laying the groundwork for the 2027 campaign. His insistence that ODM does not tolerate political violence is likely to be closely watched as the party navigates its evolving relationship with UDA.
For now, Oburu’s central message is unmistakable: ODM believes that its numbers, when combined with UDA’s electoral base, could provide the political arithmetic necessary to take control of government in 2027. Whether that arithmetic translates into votes at the ballot will ultimately depend on the durability of the alliance, its presidential ticket, regional mobilisation and, most importantly, whether the two parties can successfully convert their combined support into a coherent national campaign.
