Speaking on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Malaba Town, Busia County, Oburu said ODM remains strong despite the loss of its long-time leader Raila Odinga, insisting that the party’s future depends on discipline, loyalty, and adherence to its founding principles.
Oburu, who took over the party leadership following Raila’s death in October 2025, said he was ready to shoulder the responsibility entrusted to him by party members and would lead without fear or favour.
“Raila may be gone, but he left behind a strong political movement called ODM,” Oburu said.
“This party cannot collapse simply because we lost our leader. You, the members, are here, and having given me the responsibility to lead, I will soldier on without fear.”
The Siaya Senator was unanimously ratified as ODM party leader during the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations held in Mombasa in November 2025.
His appointment marked a major transition for the party, which Raila led for nearly two decades as Kenya’s dominant opposition force.
Addressing grassroots delegates from Busia County, Oburu appealed for their support, saying unity at the base was critical as the party navigates a new political era.
“I am here to ask for your support as grassroots leaders. If you support me, I promise to lead strictly within the party constitution and to respect all ODM rules and structures,” he said.
Oburu also used the occasion to issue a subtle warning to members accused of engaging in internal power struggles, urging them to abandon what he termed as “sideshows” and recommit to the party’s collective agenda.
“We are not going to be distracted by sideshows,” he said.
Addressing grassroots delegates from Busia County, Oburu appealed for their support, saying unity at the base was critical as the party navigates a new political era.
“I am here to ask for your support as grassroots leaders. If you support me, I promise to lead strictly within the party constitution and to respect all ODM rules and structures,” he said.
Oburu also used the occasion to issue a subtle warning to members accused of engaging in internal power struggles, urging them to abandon what he termed as “sideshows” and recommit to the party’s collective agenda.
“We are not going to be distracted by sideshows,” he said.
“Those who are engaging in such activities should return to the party and to their people. I will not mention names, but ODM must remain united if we are to move forward.”
The remarks were seen as a response to growing murmurs of dissent within the party, as various factions jostle for influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu made the statements as he arrived in Malaba for the ODM Linda Ground tour, a grassroots mobilisation exercise aimed at strengthening party structures and reconnecting with supporters across the country.
He arrived at the border town aboard a helicopter, accompanied by a delegation of senior ODM leaders, signalling the party’s intention to project unity and organisational strength.
Among those present were ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Busia Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma, and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo.
The remarks were seen as a response to growing murmurs of dissent within the party, as various factions jostle for influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu made the statements as he arrived in Malaba for the ODM Linda Ground tour, a grassroots mobilisation exercise aimed at strengthening party structures and reconnecting with supporters across the country.
He arrived at the border town aboard a helicopter, accompanied by a delegation of senior ODM leaders, signalling the party’s intention to project unity and organisational strength.
Among those present were ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Busia Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma, and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo.
Also in attendance were Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, and Vihiga Governor Wilberforce Otichillo, all dressed in ODM party colours.
Governor Otuoma reaffirmed his loyalty to Oburu’s leadership, saying the party must remain focused on strengthening its grassroots presence rather than internal rivalry.
The Linda Ground tour is expected to continue across several counties as ODM seeks to reorganise itself following Raila’s death and position itself as a formidable political force ahead of the next election cycle.
Governor Otuoma reaffirmed his loyalty to Oburu’s leadership, saying the party must remain focused on strengthening its grassroots presence rather than internal rivalry.
The Linda Ground tour is expected to continue across several counties as ODM seeks to reorganise itself following Raila’s death and position itself as a formidable political force ahead of the next election cycle.
