Eddy Oketch: I will not support Oburu if he enters into an agreement with DCP party
By Mabonga Makhanu, January 13, 2026Migori senator Eddy Oketch has stated that he will not support the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga if he decides to enter into a coalition agreement with the Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party associated with the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
While speaking during an interview on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, Senator Oketch stated that if at all the ODM party wants to have a coalition agreement with any party, that must be the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and any other like-minded party, which, according to him, has shown willingness to unite the nation ahead of the 2027.
“If ODM is going to negotiate with people like DCP, I am not supporting my party leader. These negotiations that are going on must be with UDA and other like-minded parties, because I can’t associate with a tribal party,” Oketch made it clear.
He took issue with the DCP party and other parties within the united opposition, accusing them of fuelling tribalism. He further noted that ODM must associate with parties from everywhere that have mature ideologies like itself and the UDA
He further stated that on matters ideologies DCP is the worst party, saying that it does not have even a single senator, governor or member of parliament
ODM’s pre-coalition talks
This follows the ODM Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting in Vipingo, Kilifi County, which was led by Oburu Odinga. Among the many issues discussed, a key resolution was that the party should begin pre-coalition talks with other parties, particularly President William Ruto’s UDA, to determine how ODM will position itself for 2027.
The party is now set to commence public engagements, with the first public rally scheduled to take place in Kibra within the week. These engagements will culminate in a National Delegate Conference (NDC), the party’s highest decision-making body, which will formally endorse the outcomes of the engagements and the party leader’s position.
ODM MPS supporting the move
This move was also welcomed and rubber-stamped by a section of MPs drawn from the Orange Democratic Movement, led by Ruaraka MP Tom Joseph Kajwang, Makadara MP George Aladwa, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, and others.
They praised the decision while warning Secretary General Edwin Sifuna that he risks losing his SG position should he fail to toe the party line.