Senior ODM figure Oburu Oginga has launched a fierce defence of his leadership amid growing internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement, warning rebellious members that indiscipline could cost them influential positions in the party.
Speaking during a rally in Kisumu on Sunday, Oburu dismissed criticism from opponents questioning his political relevance and age, insisting he remained a powerful force within ODM despite mounting factional battles.
The veteran politician took direct aim at party members accused of publicly attacking ODM policies while still seeking to retain senior roles within the party structure.
“Those who are saying ‘Linda something else’ are our people. They are members of our party. But they have forgotten one thing, that in a democracy, there must be discipline,” Oburu declared.
“You cannot just talk against the party policy and still expect to hold high office in the same party. You cannot. You think we are weak. You think Oburu is old. You think Oburu is weak. I can assure you I am not weak,” he added to cheers from supporters.
In a strongly worded warning to dissenting leaders, Oburu said ODM was willing to welcome back defectors, but cautioned that returning members would not automatically reclaim senior positions within the party hierarchy.
“Old is gold. Yes. And you people should just know that. If they want to fly, they can fly. But if they want to come back to the party, we shall readmit them, but they must know that when they come, they come with a coiled tail,” he said.
“And they cannot think that they will start from the top. They will not start from the top.”
His remarks come amid escalating tensions between rival ODM factions, including the “Linda Mwananchi” and “Linda Ground” camps, which have increasingly clashed over the party’s direction and its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.
The latest fallout emerged after Godfrey Osotsi issued a fresh set of demands to allies linked to Oburu, insisting the Linda Mwananchi faction would only engage in reconciliation talks under strict conditions.
Osotsi accused the rival Linda Ground faction of fuelling divisions within ODM and pushing the party closer to cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance.
“The Linda Mwananchi team did not bring fights and confusion within ODM. It is the Linda Ground that caused it,” Osotsi said.
“They are the ones who kicked out Sifuna, they are the ones who kicked out Osotsi, and they are also the ones who forced ODM to work with UDA,” he claimed.
The Vihiga senator further revealed that the Linda Mwananchi faction was open to dialogue, but only if a number of demands were addressed first.
Among the conditions outlined by Osotsi was the formation of what he described as an independent inquest into the political “death” of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“One, we’re saying we must have an independent inquest into the death of Raila Odinga,” he said.
Osotsi also demanded that the Linda Ground faction publicly admit what he termed as the government’s failure to implement the 10-point agenda agreed upon with Raila.
In addition, the senator called for the immediate cancellation of any planned political agreement between ODM and UDA, while also demanding the reversal of internal decisions allegedly targeting him and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
“Four, all the decisions they have made, including to remove Sifuna as the secretary general and me, should be reversed,” Osotsi stated.
He further pushed for fresh elections within ODM, arguing that the Linda Mwananchi faction currently commands overwhelming support at the grassroots level.
The latest exchange highlights deepening cracks within ODM as rival camps battle for influence ahead of future political realignments, with the party’s relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration continuing to spark fierce debate among supporters and senior officials alike.
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