Showdown Looms as Oburu Responds to NDC Threat in ODM Power Battle
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has moved to quell growing dissent within the opposition outfit, insisting he is firmly in control of the party despite mounting pressure from a faction questioning the legitimacy of his leadership.
Speaking barely three months after his installation as the substantive ODM leader, Oburu dismissed claims that he lacks the authority or political experience to steer the party, declaring that ODM remains “safe” under his stewardship.
His remarks appeared to be a direct response to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who recently called for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to elect new party officials, citing concerns over the current leadership structure.
Oburu, however, struck a defiant tone, challenging his critics to face him at the very forum they are demanding.
“Those who are saying that Oburu was not validly elected, I challenge them to go together with me to the NDC if that is what they want,” Oburu said.
“I will call the NDC very soon. I challenge them to come. I don’t fear anyone.”
The ODM leader insisted that his rise to the top of the party followed established procedures and stressed that he brings with him decades of political experience, including involvement in high-level party and national engagements during his time working alongside ODM’s founding leader.
ODM to Remain in Broad-Based Government Until 2027
Beyond the leadership dispute, Oburu also addressed the deepening ideological divide within ODM over its continued cooperation with President William Ruto’s government.
Despite internal resistance, Oburu reaffirmed that the party would remain part of the broad-based political arrangement until the 2027 General Election, arguing that the move is intended to deliver tangible benefits to ODM supporters, particularly in the Nyanza region.
“We are currently working with the government and President William Ruto,” Oburu said.
“We want to see that in the remaining short time, our people gain as much as they should. They should get their share, which they have been denied for many years.”
His comments come amid accusations from party hardliners that ODM risks losing its identity by aligning too closely with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Raila Odinga’s Death Still Looms Over Party Unity
Oburu assumed the leadership of ODM following the death of his younger brother, Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025.
Raila had led the party for two decades, becoming one of Kenya’s most influential political figures and the face of ODM since its formation. His death left a vacuum that has since exposed long-simmering tensions within the party.
While Oburu was widely viewed as a natural successor, his appointment has been marred by factional infighting, particularly over the party’s future relationship with President Ruto.
Sifuna-Led Faction Pushes Back
One of the most vocal groups opposing Oburu’s approach is led by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has publicly rejected any suggestion that the party should back Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Sifuna’s faction argues that ODM’s cooperation with the government should be temporary and issue-based, warning that extending the alliance risks alienating the party’s traditional support base.
The growing rift has raised concerns about ODM’s unity and electoral readiness ahead of the next General Election, with analysts warning that unresolved internal disputes could weaken the party’s national influence.
Nevertheless, Oburu has maintained that an NDC would provide a platform to resolve disputes democratically and reassert his mandate as party leader.
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Showdown Looms as Oburu Responds to NDC Threat in ODM Power Battle