Oburu Oginga, a senior figure in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has told dissenting members to leave the party if they are uncomfortable with its push to negotiate with William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the next General Election.
Speaking on Saturday in Siaya during a rally organised by the Linda Ground faction, Oburu dismissed internal resistance to the party’s new political direction.
“What we want is the unity of our party; we’re not expelling anybody from the party, but anybody who feels that he is uncomfortable with us can leave if he likes,” he said.
“We’re going to do our own thing, please, if you’re not part of us do your own thing. We want to tell you to leave us alone.”
Targeting Internal Rebels
His remarks appeared aimed at perceived rebels within ODM associated with the Linda Mwananchi wing, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, and James Orengo.
The trio has publicly criticised ODM’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Positioning for 2027
Oburu defended the party’s decision to open negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that ODM must strategically position itself for power rather than remain in perpetual opposition.
He dismissed claims that the party was rushing into talks, saying it had merely expressed an intention to begin negotiations centred on policies, development programmes and the sharing of positions.
The remarks highlight deepening divisions within ODM as it charts its political path toward the next electoral cycle.
