Africa-Press – Kenya. Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has dismissed speculation about his political future, declaring that he remains firmly in charge of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership and has no intention of retreating from active politics.
Speaking in Migori County, Saturday, Oburu said those expecting him to fade away following former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s decision to back a broad-based political arrangement were “seriously mistaken,” insisting he was still strong, focused and ready to lead.
“Anybody who thinks Oburu Oginga is about to die soon is seriously mistaken. I am the same age as Trump in America,” Oburu said, drawing cheers from supporters.
“Now he has left me carrying the jaw of the ODM party leader and I am not afraid to tell you, I will not be shaken. I will sit on that seat squarely.”
The senator used the platform to praise development projects being rolled out under the current administration, citing stadiums, affordable housing programmes and modern markets as tangible gains that communities were already benefiting from.
He said such projects demonstrated the value of constructive engagement with government rather than what he described as remaining perpetually in opposition.
Oburu also paid a personal tribute to Raila, describing him not only as a brother but as a confidant and lifelong friend.
He recounted their childhood, saying the two had grown up together, lived together and even played together “as though we were twins,” underscoring the deep bond that has defined their political journey for decades.
“Raila Odinga was not just my brother. He was my confidant and my friend. We shared everything, even our childhood games,” he said.
On politics, Oburu strongly defended the broad-based arrangement Raila helped craft, arguing it was the best option available for the party and its supporters at this moment in time.
He urged ODM followers to remain within the arrangement and use it strategically to secure long-term political strength.
“My people, I am telling you this broad-based arrangement Raila left us is the best arrangement he could have done, and our people should stay in it,” Oburu said.
He said the engagement must be purposeful, with a clear objective of ensuring that by 2027, ODM and its support base would be “squarely in government, not opposition again.”
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Oburu made it clear that he intends to remain a central figure in ODM’s decision-making, warning critics not to underestimate either his resilience or his political influence.
