The ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has called on party supporters to remain united to retain and grow its political influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at the burial of Mama Doris Okello, mother of Nyando MP Jared Okello, in Nyando, Kisumu County on Friday , the Siaya Senator observed that the broad-based government framework is a strategic vehicle for keeping ODM relevant in forming the next government.
“Our strength lies in our unity and we must unite in order to capture power. Our own constitution states that the first objective of the party is to obtain political power through constitutional means,” Oburu said.
He also urged supporters to formally register as ODM members to bolster the party’s numbers and strengthen its grassroots base.
The party leader pledged that the party would deliver free, fair and credible nominations to strengthen the party and ensure the party retains its massive support on the ground ahead of 2027.
Oburu stressed that ODM party must enter coalition talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) from a position of strength, arguing that only a united and well-organised party can secure a meaningful deal at the negotiating table.
“The UDA that we are to join to form the next government will respect us if we are united. This will enable us to bargain and ask for the irreducible minimums,” he said.
He added, “As the party leader, I can’t lead you and we miss getting into government. We are very clear that we are in the broad-based government to stay.”
Oburu committed to an extensive countrywide mobilization drive to consolidate support and strengthen party structures.
“We are going to continue to move all over the country to talk to our supporters, strengthen our branches, strengthen our regions and make sure that our party remains the biggest party in the region,” he assured.
At the same time, Oburu commended young people for maintaining peace and choosing not to participate in recent fuel price demonstrations, acknowledging that rising fuel costs are a global challenge that the government is actively working to address.
Also speaking at the event, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula urged residents of the region to continue backing President Ruto’s transformation agenda.
Wetangula observed that President William Ruto has demonstrated goodwill toward all regions, citing the inclusive broad-based government, key development projects, and the appointment of leaders from the region to senior government positions as evidence of an administration committed to equitable representation.
“I urge residents of the region to harness their collective strength in advancing national unity and development,” Wetangula said, noting that a united people have a stronger voice in shaping the country’s future.
By Robert Ojwang’
