Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Odinga has reaffirmed the party’s drive to secure a place in government, signalling a strategic approach amid Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

Oburu’s declaration underscores ODM’s shift from opposition to a pragmatic contender, willing to engage in broad-based arrangements or coalitions.

“All political parties aspire to be in government,” Oburu stated in an X post, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, adding, “Our party is not excluded. Our party is fighting to be in the government in the broad-based arrangement now and in future as ODM or in coalition with other political parties.” The remarks highlight ODM’s readiness to collaborate while maintaining its core identity.

During the party’s anniversary, Oburu said that he would continue the way the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga had been working and that he would ensure the plans were fulfilled, adding that he would have no fear whatsoever.

ODM anniversary celebrations

The comments follow the ODM 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa on November 15, 2025. The events included a luxury hotel gathering of party pioneers, long-time supporters, and guests, blending nostalgia with strategic messaging. Oburu described the occasion as, “The ODM Founders Dinner gathered party pioneers, long-time supporters, and guests for an evening dedicated to reflection, unity, and renewed purpose.”

A cake-cutting ceremony honoured six key founders, including President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and former EALA MP Mumbi Ngaru. Henry Kosgey, Franklin Bett, and CS Askul Beatrice were also recognised. Oburu noted the event’s role in reconnecting members to ODM’s founding purpose of inclusive governance.

Unity amid internal tensions

President Ruto’s presence amplified the celebrations, as he urged unity and commended the late Raila Odinga’s enduring political legacy.

“As we celebrate 20 years of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), we also honour the life and legacy of its leader, the late Honourable Raila Odinga. Baba’s rich, solid and enduring legacy continues to shape our political landscape,” Ruto said, adding, “May ODM continue to inspire us to build and stand behind robust, progressive national political parties that serve as a bedrock of our democracy.”

However, fissures remain. Mining CS Ali Hassan Joho warned against internal purges, stating, “Msifikirie mtatutoa chambo au kafara. Nawaambia wengine wetu damu yetu ni moto. Ukileta tunaleta, ukitukujia tunakukujia. Mkitufukuza tutawafukuza.”

Raila Odinga’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, called for a National Delegates Conference to vet the broad-based pact, arguing, “When it came to the matter of broad-based government, the people of ODM trusted one person to manage that complicated relationship; that person is Baba Raila Odinga.”

Oburu responded diplomatically, saying, “Mumemsikia mtoto wangu Winnie akisema eti Raila alikuwa hapo, na eti sasa tutafute mwingine atusaidie kuendeleza hii broad-based government. Ninamwambia hiyo tutaongea naye kinyumbani.” He reaffirmed his commitment: “Hii kiti ambacho mmenipaea kuwa party leader nitaendlea vile Raila alikuwa anaendelea bila uwoga yoyote. Nitatimiza yale yote ambayo ndugu yangu alitake itimizwe.”