Caleb Amisi Criticises Oburu Odinga’s Claim to Automatic ODM Presidential Ticket
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has publicly criticised remarks made by ODM leader Oburu Odinga over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, warning that such statements risk alienating supporters and deepening internal divisions within the opposition outfit.
The row emerged after Oburu, who is also the Siaya Senator, declared that he was the automatic presidential candidate of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should the party choose to field its own contender in the next General Election.
Speaking to Kenyans on Wednesday, December 31, Oburu insisted that the ODM constitution explicitly states that the party leader is the sole presidential flagbearer. He further told any party members harbouring presidential ambitions to seek alternative political vehicles ahead of 2027.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that our constitution already has a presidential candidate for our party,” Oburu said. “And that presidential candidate is clearly stated in the constitution of our party, and it is the party leader, and it is the party leader speaking.”
He added: “I am the presidential candidate for ODM if ODM decides that it goes it alone. So anybody who is preparing himself to go for presidential election in ODM, I think, is misplaced. If they want to go for presidential candidacy, they should look for another party.”
Oburu’s remarks immediately sparked debate within ODM ranks, with critics questioning both the interpretation of the party constitution and the political wisdom of dismissing internal competition ahead of a high-stakes election.
Among those to voice concern was Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, a vocal ODM legislator, who accused party leaders of engaging in unnecessary “chest-thumping” and straying from the inclusive leadership style associated with the party’s founder, Raila Odinga.
Reacting to Oburu’s declaration, Amisi suggested that the late former prime minister would not have handled internal disagreements in such a confrontational manner.
“ODM leaders must avoid this tendency of chest-thumping,” Amisi said. “All factions therein – whether the Uhuru wing or the Ruto wing. This is not how Baba would do it.”
He warned that pushing out potential contenders could weaken the party’s grassroots support, particularly at a time when opposition unity remains fragile.
“A small divergence of views – they want to chase members away. Calling each other names,” Amisi continued. “So who will vote for you as an ODM candidate?”
In a sharply worded remark, the MP added: “Baba must be turning himself in the grave in dismay. Kenya needs a renaissance.”
Amisi’s comments reflect wider unease among sections of ODM supporters, many of whom argue that open competition through party primaries would strengthen the party rather than divide it.
Several Kenyans took to social media to echo the Saboti MP’s concerns, questioning why ODM would not allow a democratic process to determine its presidential candidate.
One user, identified as @threadfinc254, wrote: “If any party wants to field a presidential candidate, watu waingie field wangangane kwa uwanja, delegates wachague mwenye wanaprefer.”
Another commenter, Justus Sila, argued that ODM’s leadership decisions had weakened the party internally, claiming that controversial leadership choices had undermined its appeal.
Others questioned why internal disagreements were being aired publicly rather than resolved through dialogue. “If there’s a problem in ODM, why don’t you just sit down and talk?” asked one user, while another queried why the party could not conduct presidential primaries like other major political outfits.
The debate comes as opposition parties begin early manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 General Election, with alliances, leadership structures and candidate selection expected to dominate political discourse over the coming months.
While Oburu Odinga has stood firm on his interpretation of the ODM constitution, growing calls from within the party suggest that pressure may mount for a more inclusive and consultative approach as the election cycle gathers momentum.
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Caleb Amisi Criticises Oburu Odinga’s Claim to Automatic ODM Presidential Ticket