The acting leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Oburu Odinga, has stated that the party will only work with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the 2027 general election if the Deputy President position is guaranteed for ODM.
Speaking during a televised interview on Sunday night, Oburu — who temporarily assumed the leadership mantle following the death of Raila Odinga — emphasized that ODM’s participation in the emerging broad-based political arrangement must be based on mutual respect and clear power-sharing commitments.
“If ODM is to partner with UDA in 2027, it cannot be a blind partnership. The position of Deputy President must be reserved for our party. That is the minimum,” Oburu said firmly.
His remarks add a new dimension to the ongoing debate within ODM over the party’s relationship with President Ruto’s administration. While a section of senior officials have publicly endorsed Ruto for a second term, others, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, have maintained that ODM should retain its independence and prepare to field its own presidential candidate.
Defends Sifuna’s Stand
Oburu came to the defense of Sifuna, describing him as the true voice of ODM, amid calls from some quarters for his removal over alleged disloyalty to the broad-based government.
“Whatever Sifuna said is the correct position of the matter; he is not isolated. How can he be isolated when I am telling you that that is the position?” Oburu posed.
The Siaya Senator insisted that the Nairobi Senator was articulating the late Raila Odinga’s vision of a strong and autonomous party capable of negotiating from a position of strength, not weakness.
Party Unity and Succession Politics
Oburu dismissed attempts to eject Sifuna from the party, saying unity was paramount as ODM reorganizes ahead of 2027.
“This is not the time to remove any member; it is time for unity within the party, and we need all members, including Sifuna. In my view, Sifuna is doing a good job,” he said.
Sifuna has in recent days cautioned ODM supporters against chanting pro-Ruto slogans during party campaigns, arguing that such behavior confuses the party’s message and undermines its internal strategy.
“There is no presidential election right now,” Sifuna told party members in Mombasa on Saturday. “Let us focus on strengthening ODM first before discussing 2027.”
Rift in the Broad-Based Coalition
Oburu’s latest remarks come as ODM grapples with internal divisions over its cooperation with Ruto’s government. Some leaders — including Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai — have criticized Oburu’s demand for the deputy presidency as unrealistic and potentially destabilizing to the existing working arrangement.
However, Oburu maintained that without a formal and equitable power-sharing deal, ODM risks being reduced to a junior partner in the ruling coalition.
“We cannot support President Ruto for free. If there is to be a partnership, then ODM must have something tangible at the top table — and that is the Deputy President seat,” Oburu declared.
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Oburu’s hardline stance underscores the delicate balancing act ODM faces — between maintaining relevance within the Ruto-led government and preserving its identity as a major political force capable of shaping Kenya’s future leadership.
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