Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has declared that ODM members are the true masters of organizing protests, saying they are even ready to teach the newly formed United Opposition how to do it properly.
Speaking on Monday, January 2, 2025, during an event marking the disbandment of NYOTA funds in Kisumu, Oburu praised President William Ruto for the ongoing development projects in the Lake Region. He noted that the region, long associated with opposition politics, is now reaping the benefits of government inclusion.
“Tuko kwa serikali na Rais William Ruto. Hapa tulikuwa tumejulikana na maandamano. Naskia wengine wanasema ati next week wanataka kufanya maandamano. Wakuje tuwafunze maandamano ni nini? Hawa hawajui maandamano,” Oburu said, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
The senator also took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, reminding him of his past remarks about government “shares.” Oburu emphasized that development should not be distributed based on voting patterns, asserting that the Lake Region deserves equal attention from the national government.
“Na huyu mtu wa shares alikuwa amesema sisi hatuwezi pata faida kwa sababu hatukupigia Rais kura. Sasa mnaona ile maendeleo tunapata,” he added.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also attended the event, echoed Oburu’s sentiments, dismissing the planned protests by the United Opposition. She stated that ODM would not participate in demonstrations that could disrupt the current wave of development in the region.
The remarks come just days after the United Opposition, recently rebranded as the United Alternative Government, marched to the office of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to lodge a formal complaint over alleged violence targeting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during church services across the country.
Following the meeting, the group demanded that police officers involved in the incidents be disarmed, arrested, and charged in court. They warned that failure to act would trigger nationwide protests.
Gachagua, in response, claimed that any protests previously led by Raila Odinga would pale in comparison to those planned by the United Opposition. The group also visited the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices, where they demanded sweeping reforms, warning that failure to implement the changes would also lead to mass demonstrations.
Oburu’s remarks signal ODM’s shifting stance toward cooperation with the government, even as the newly formed opposition movement threatens to reignite confrontational politics.
