ADVERT 
A fierce contest for political survival is brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as Deputy Party Leader Oburu Oginga delivers a blunt message to aspiring candidates: win the people, not the party elite.
Speaking on Saturday, June 27, Oburu dismissed the notion that party headquarters wield the ultimate authority in determining ODM nominees, insisting that the real power lies firmly in the hands of grassroots members.
“Those who want to vie for ODM tickets should not bother looking for that power at the headquarters. Look for it among the party members at the grassroots,” he said.
In a clear warning to politicians seeking backroom endorsements, Oburu emphasized that lobbying influential figures within the party will not secure nominations.
He underscored that ODM’s nomination process will be people-driven, with aspirants required to build genuine support at the community level.
“Power lies at the grassroots, and once you are nominated there, you will be our candidate,” he added.
Oburu himself has paradoxically indicated that he will be vying for Siaya Senator a second term.
The remarks signal a push by ODM leadership to reinforce internal democracy and curb perceptions of favoritism that have previously sparked disputes during party primaries.
Oburu further assured party members that the leadership would remain impartial throughout the nomination exercise, distancing himself from any suggestion of influencing outcomes.
“I am not going to favour anybody. Nobody is going to hang on my coat. I want everybody to go to the people and get their tickets directly from the people,” he declared.
His statement is likely to resonate with younger aspirants and grassroots mobilizers, especially as competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The ODM stalwart also reiterated his opposition to any political alliance with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, shutting down speculation about potential realignments.
Instead, he urged ODM supporters—particularly in Luo Nyanza—to remain loyal to the party, describing them as its backbone.
“I will not lead my people into an alliance with Gachagua. Instead, we are ready to engage in strategic negotiations with like-minded parties, starting with United Democratic Alliance (UDA), our current partners,” he said.
Oburu’s remarks come as ODM sharpens its strategy for the 2027 elections, signaling a return to grassroots-driven politics while maintaining selective alliances.
With internal nominations expected to shape the party’s electoral strength, his message sets the tone for a high-stakes political season—where popularity on the ground, not proximity to power, will determine who flies the ODM flag.
