By P, KNA
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will enter negotiations with its broad-based government partner, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), from a position of strength due to its wide support across the country, party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has said.
Dr. Oburu stated that ODM will not play second fiddle during the forthcoming talks aimed at forging a common front ahead of next year’s General Election. He emphasized that the party remains a key political force and will seek a fair share in government through structured and firm negotiations.
Speaking at the Siaya County Assembly in Siaya town on Friday after visiting the legislative arm of the devolved unit, Oburu, who was flanked by Speaker George Okode, his deputy Oduor Odongo and several Members of the County Assembly, said the party would approach the discussions with a clear and defined agenda.
“We will go there with a clear agenda for our people. First, to implement the ten-point agenda and secondly, to have the government implement some of the public policies that we believe in as a party and which are different from those of UDA,” he said.
The ODM leader, who also serves as Siaya Senator, added that the party would leave nothing to chance during the negotiations and would push for a greater share in government.
“We are going to negotiate hard and we are not going to leave anything out,” he said, reiterating that ODM will demand the deputy president slot in any pre-election arrangement.
“Those who thought we are not going to demand the deputy president post are daydreamers. That is one of the positions we must demand whether it disturbs some people or not,” he added.
Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode affirmed that the assembly fully supports the party leader and will stand firmly behind him during the negotiations.