Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has announced his intention to vie for the presidency in the 2027 general election, saying he will be the party’s flagbearer should ODM decide to field a candidate.
Speaking to Kenyans on Wednesday, December 31, Dr. Oburu reaffirmed that ODM will remain in the broad-based arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza government until 2027, honoring the agreement made by his late brother, Raila Odinga.
He noted, however, that the party will decide this year whether to run its own candidate or enter into a coalition with other parties.
“2026 is a crucial year for our party because things must be worked out before 2027. Before the end of 2026, we shall have clearly known and made all necessary arrangements going into 2027,” he said.
“Before the end of the year, our party will have decided whether we are going it alone or joining a coalition, and we shall know whom we are aligning with.”
Dr. Oburu cited the ODM constitution, which stipulates that the party leader automatically becomes the presidential candidate should ODM go solo.
“If we’re going it alone, I want to make it clear that the presidential candidate for our party is the party leader. I am the presidential candidate for ODM if the party decides to go it alone,” he stated.
He added that anyone else aspiring to contest for the presidency within ODM would be “misplaced” and advised them to seek another party.
The ODM leader also called for an end to political slogans such as “one-term” (‘wantam’) and “two-term” (‘tutam’), emphasizing unity and party consolidation ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We are urging our party to remain united, focused, and steadfast in the pursuit of the people’s interests,” Dr. Oburu said.
“Those talking of one-term or two-term, that is not our party policy. Our focus is to work in unity, strengthen our party, and continue in this broad-based arrangement until 2027.”
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