Africa-Press – Kenya. ODM acting party leader Oburu Odinga has declared that the party will not withdraw from the broad-based government, affirming that it will continue to pursue Raila Odinga’s long-held vision of being part of or forming the government.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay during an Ecumenical Memorial Service for the late former Prime Minister, the Siaya senator said ODM’s place was firmly within the governing arrangement, not outside it.
Raila, who died on October 15 from cardiac arrest, left behind a political legacy spanning more than four decades, defined by his fight for democracy, justice and national unity.
In March, Raila entered into a working relationship with President William Ruto, a move that saw several ODM figures take up roles in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
His death had sparked speculation that the party would rethink its participation in the arrangement, especially after sharp differences emerged among senior leaders during his burial in Bondo on October 19.
Oburu, however, dismissed such speculation, insisting that ODM would remain in government as part of Raila’s enduring political blueprint.
“Raila left us with a very precious gold — the ODM party — and he left us with a message of unity. We have to unite, and I’m telling people of ODM all over the country that if you don’t unite, nobody will respect you. If you are a weak party, nobody will want to negotiate with you,” he said.
Switching briefly to his dialect, Oburu assured the crowd that ODM would stay in the broad-based government until 2027.
He later reinforced the same position on X, posting: “We will never be in opposition again as ODM party. We will form or be the government, with like-minded formations.”
In his emotional tribute, Oburu described Raila as a fearless statesman and peacemaker who put the nation’s interests above his own.
“When it came to matters of national interest, particularly issues of democracy, Raila was ready to die,” he said, recalling the turbulent 1980s when Raila was detained for agitating for multi-party democracy.
“I remember seeing him in Kamiti Prison when he was arrested and charged with treason. I found him in black uniform, and he believed in what he was doing. When I saw him, I shed tears, but Raila laughed and told me, ‘Oburu, what are you shedding tears for? We are fighting, and when you fight, you can either live or die,’” Oburu recounted.
Raila supporters overwhelmed by emotions during his memorial service at the Raila Odinga stadium, Homa Bay county, November 5, 2025. /X
The memorial service brought together ODM leaders and supporters in a show of unity, offering them a moment to honour Raila’s memory and recommit to the ideals he championed.
Other ODM leaders echoed Oburu’s sentiments, saying the ODM party was in the broad-based government to stay.
“Come 2027, ODM will either form government as a party or be part of the coalition that will form the next government,” Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said.
Leader of Minority in the National Assembly, Junet Mohammed, said: “Those thinking that ODM will leave broad-based government, that’s a dream they shouldn’t wait for.”
Oburu used the opportunity to rally ODM youth to register in large numbers as voters during the ongoing mass registration exercise.
“I’m also pleading with you, my people, last time you did not register as it should be. Please, my agemates Gen Zs, please register,” he said.
Leaders present included Governor Ochilo Ayacko (Migori), Deputy Governor Matthews Owili (Kisumu), MPs Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Sam Atandi (Alego Usonga), Peter Masara (Suna West), Lilian Gogo (Rangwe), Joyce Osogo Bensuda (Homa Bay), Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), Fatuma Full Network (Migori), Walter Owino (Awendo), Boyd Were (ODM candidate for Kasipul), MCAs, clergy, and other distinguished leaders.
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