Africa-Press – Kenya. ODM party leader Oburu Odinga and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi during an Interdenominational prayer function at his Ugunja Constituency/Faith Matete
ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has said the Orange Democratic Movement will issue a clear political direction and a roadmap for its supporters by mid next year as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.
Speaking in Ugunja at the home of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi during interdenominational prayers, Oburu said the next election is already taking shape and that key political decisions will be made well in advance.
“The next election is being prepared now. In 2026, it will not reach six months before we give our people direction on where we are going,” he said.
Oburu urged ODM members to rally behind him, saying the party’s future depends on unity and collective support.
He stressed that a strong political party is critical, especially during negotiations.
“When systems are being made in this country, you must have a strong political party. Even when you go to negotiations with a weak party, you will be tossed left, right and centre,” he said.
He noted that ODM joined the broad-based government by invitation and was not part of its formation, adding that the party made a political judgment at the time.
“Raila left us in a broad-based government that we were invited into. We saw that President William Ruto was better than former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.
However, Oburu said the party has not yet taken a position on the next presidential contest.
“As of now, I cannot say what people are saying out there about one term or two terms. What I know is that we will go to the negotiation table at the right time,” he said.
He called on supporters to strengthen ODM at the grassroots by registering as members, acquiring national identity cards and voter registration cards, and turning out to vote in large numbers.
“When we strengthen our party and reach negotiation time, it will find us ready and prepared to be part of the formation of the next government,” he said.
Oburu also urged ODM supporters to back party leaders serving in the broad-based government, saying their support would strengthen the party’s position.
Reaffirming his resolve to lead ODM, Oburu said the responsibility entrusted to him after the death of Raila Odinga had not broken his spirit.
“That responsibility has not defeated me. I am holding that mantle firmly,” he said, urging party members to remain united and focused.
Those in attendance at the prayers included Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, Senator Moses Kajwang, several legislators, including Ugunja MP Moses Omondi, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Nyatike MP Tom Odege, Suna West MP Peter Masara, Kibra MP Peter Orero, Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, Karachuonyo MP Adipo Okuome, Rongo MP Paul Abour, Nyando MP Jared Okello, and Ugenya MP David Ochieng, as well as Siaya’s Christine Ombaka and Joyce Osogo. Several MCAs were also present.
