Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has declared that the party will not defy the late former Premier Raila Odinga’s wish to remain in government, affirming his commitment to pursue structured negotiations with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking on Friday, February 20, 2026, during a meeting with the Siaya County Assembly leadership ahead of Saturday’s Linda Ground rally in Siaya Town, Oburu said he would proceed with the talks even without the support of ODM leaders allied to Governor James Orengo and Senator Edwin Sifuna.
“I will not defy Raila Odinga’s wish to stay in power beyond 2027. Raila was not a fool to lead us to government through a broad-based government,” Oburu stated. “We entered this government through the window. But the one that is coming, we will enter through the door. We will negotiate and ensure we have more power than we currently have.”
The Siaya Senator emphasized that Raila’s decision to align ODM with President William Ruto’s administration was a strategic move aimed at securing the party’s long-term influence in national politics. He said Raila’s legacy of sacrifice for Kenya’s democracy should guide ODM’s next steps.
Oburu’s remarks come amid growing divisions within ODM over the party’s cooperation with UDA in the post-Raila era. A faction led by Orengo and Sifuna has opposed continued engagement with the ruling coalition, arguing that it undermines ODM’s independence. However, Oburu dismissed their stance, insisting that negotiations with UDA are inevitable and in the party’s best interest.
“So, we cannot rule out our negotiations with UDA even if some ODM leaders have a contrary opinion. Their political stand does not deter our negotiation efforts,” he said. “We want to start negotiations with UDA, our broad-based partners. We are not on the side of one term, nor are we for two terms, but strengthening the party to negotiate with strong numbers.”
Oburu added that ODM’s ongoing grassroots mobilisation is designed to boost its bargaining power ahead of the coalition talks. He revealed that the party’s negotiation framework will be anchored on a 10-point agenda and key policy priorities aimed at securing greater representation and influence in government.
The Siaya meeting is expected to set the tone for ODM’s next phase of political engagement as the party navigates its future without Raila Odinga at the helm.
