Political activist Kasmuel McOure has argued that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party will front its leader, Oburu Odinga, if the political outfit decides to go solo for the 2027 presidency.

Taking to X on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the vocal McOure said it does not make sense to field another candidate for the country’s top seat while ODM’s direction comes from the Siaya County Senator’s office.

Oburu for president

”The Orange Democratic Movement has only one presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election: The Party Leader, Senator Dr Oburu Oginga. This is not a matter of preference or speculation. It is a constitutional fact that some are deliberately attempting to obscure,” McOure wrote.

”The political direction of the party flows exclusively from the office of the Party Leader, just as it did under our former Party Leader. Dr Oburu Oginga is neither a stopgap nor a transitional figure. He is the Party Leader de facto and de jure until he lawfully vacates that office,” he added.

His sentiments come shortly after Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulwamad Nassir suggested that the party should consider joining a coalition with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party heading into the 2027 general polls.

”No other party official is constitutionally mandated to initiate, negotiate, or midwife agreements at the presidential level on behalf of ODM. Our Constitution is unambiguous: the Party Leader bears the party’s presidential mandate and authority. Party officials may offer guidance on other electoral or organisational matters, but presidential direction rests solely with Dr Oburu Oginga,” he added.

Cracks in ODM

Kasmuel McOure’s sentiments come amid the widening cracks within the ODM party over the possibility of the political formation working with President Ruto beyond the current broad-based government arrangements.

”All other views, regardless of the stature or platform from which they are expressed, remain opinions and do not constitute party policy. Dr Oburu Oginga’s word is final on matters relating to ODM’s presidential path in 2027. There will be no parallel negotiations, private arrangements, or alternative centres of authority purporting to speak for the party on this question. Our Constitution is clear. Our leadership is clear. Our direction is clear. ODM proceeds accordingly.” Kasmuel McOure asserted.

Meanwhile, ODM is facing its greatest test since the death of its leader Raila Odinga in October 2025 as rifts continue to widen over the support of the current regime and the party’s way forward heading into the next general election.