Let us build bridges: Oburu sends passionate appeal to ODM leaders amid wrangles
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 3, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has called for unity within the party, urging leaders to shelve personal interests and focus on strengthening the political movement.
In a statement shared on his social media handles on Sunday, May 3, 2026, the Siaya Senator said that the time had come for leaders to reflect on the future of the party and the country at large.
He emphasised that ODM’s strength has always been rooted in its diversity, but that this strength can only be meaningful if members embrace one another despite their differences.
“As we take this day to rest and reflect with our families and communities, I want to share a message that has been heavy on my heart regarding the future of our great nation and our party, ODM. Our strength has always been our diversity, but that strength is only realised when we embrace each other. We can disagree on policy without ever disregarding our shared purpose and humanity,” Oburu’s statement read in part.
Oburu noted that disagreements on policy should never translate into disregard for shared purpose or humanity. He urged fellow leaders to rise above personal ambitions and instead work towards a common goal that prioritises the needs of the people and the long-term stability of the party.
He further stressed that the primary focus should be on building a stable, prosperous, and united political formation that serves its supporters effectively.
The ODM leader appealed to his colleagues in leadership to exercise wisdom by prioritising the common good over individual gain, saying this would help ensure peace and mutual respect within the party going forward.
Oburu laid down his pen by encouraging the building of bridges in ODM rather than divisions, while wishing members a peaceful and reflective Sunday.
Some chaos
This comes after chaos was witnessed in Kisumu Seme Constituency, where the Linda Mwananchi faction and Linda Ground clashed during the burial of MP James Nyikal’s father.
The unrest saw Siaya Governor James Orengo, who is among the top principals in the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi faction, arrive at the funeral, only for a rowdy group linked by Nyikal to a specific politician within the county to storm the front row where top dignitaries were seated.
The group was chanting broad-based slogans and calling for Orengo to leave the funeral. Church leaders intervened to calm the situation, with Orengo eventually leaving the funeral under heavy security.
Ruth Odinga’s call for unity
The Kisumu Woman Representative has also called for unity within the Orange Party, condemning what happened at Nyikal’s father’s funeral and saying the party must remain united in order to be strong when approaching negotiations.
She said that she is neither in the Wantam nor Tutam camps nor in the Linda Mwananchi or Linda Ground factions, adding that her focus is on preserving ODM, the legacy left by her late elder brother, Raila Odinga. She stated that the party’s focus should not be on divisions but on moving forward as a united front.