- Oburu Oginga says ODM has not decided on backing Ruto in 2027
- The party will consult members before taking a final position
- ODM is focusing on unity and a 10-point agenda
- The party plans to expand its membership and support base
- Sifuna says justice and accountability remain core values
Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has said the Orange Democratic Movement has not made a final decision on whether it will back President William Ruto for a second term in 2027 or field its own presidential candidate.
Speaking at the home of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Kakamega County, Oburu stressed that the party will only take a clear political position after consulting its members across the country.
Oburu told supporters that ODM’s direction will be shaped by collective agreement, not personal opinions or individual ambition.
“I am nothing without you. You are the ones who make me party leader,” Oburu said.
“That is why we must consult our people. Once we agree on party policy, everyone must speak the same language.”
He added that ODM’s strength lies in the party structure itself, not in individual leaders.
According to Oburu, ODM is now focused on building a united and strong party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He revealed that the party is developing a 10-point agenda that will guide its political approach over the next two years, saying the plan will help position ODM for future success.
“Our priority is the party, not personalities,” he said.
Oburu further noted that ODM intends to grow its membership, attract new supporters and widen its influence beyond traditional strongholds.
He said the party wants to emerge stronger than before, regardless of whether it chooses to run independently or work with others.
The ODM leader said the party will make its final decision closer to the election period.
“When 2027 comes, we will either go into the election as ODM on our own or work with others we are currently together with in government,” Oburu said.
“Any support will only happen through a negotiated arrangement that fully involves ODM.”
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who accompanied Oburu, said the party’s younger leadership is ready to carry forward the fight for justice and accountability.
Sifuna insisted that development means little if citizens live in fear.
“I said it doesn’t matter if you have built roads, but if we are living in fear, we don’t want those roads,” he said.
“No one will remove me from the truth, and no one can silence me.”
He added that although Cyrus Jirongo is gone, his voice will continue to be heard through justice being done.
Since the death of Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, ODM has faced internal debate over its future direction.
While some members want the party to exit the broad-based government arrangement, others have expressed loyalty to the current setup and have even indicated support for Ruto’s re-election.
The division highlights the difficult choices ODM must make as the 2027 contest draws closer.
