Oburu: ODM to secure bigger stake in next government
By Eric Juma, December 28, 2025Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has declared that the Orange party will work with President William Ruto-led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in 2027 and beyond, and that the coalition yet to be crafted will give ODM a bigger stake.
Oburu, while speaking at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology during a widows’ empowerment fundraiser on Sunday, December 28, 2025, said Ruto was the founder of the ODM party, and he finds it easy to work with him for ODM-dominated regions to thrive in terms of development.
“We as ODM are working closely with the UDA party under a broad-based government, an arrangement that my brother, former Premier, the late Raila Odinga, had led us to. We are in a broad-based government up to 2027, as was directed by Raila, but now that is no more, and the party is in my hands; we shall extend our engagement beyond 2027 depending on how well the regime has treated us (visitors),” Oburu said.
Oburu on ODM’s future
Oburu further said he is not ready to gamble with the lives of Kenyans in 2027, noting that ODM must be part of the next regime, so those having contrary opinions should take that to the bank.
“Going forward, as we resume talks, we are going to push for bigger slots in the next government. The consultation pitting ODM and UDA will end up bringing together those who are pro-Ruto and politicians with dissenting voices,” he said.
Oburu asked those doubting him to be in for a rude shock.
“I am the party leader of ODM, and anybody who doubts me must know that I am squarely sitting in the position, and decisions made by me shall be supreme. What I know is that we shall claim a bigger share,” he said.
Party for all
Oburu went ahead to note that ODM is a party of all Kenyans and, while negotiating, shall have in mind the regions the party dominates.
The party leader also lauded President Ruto for allowing the Nyanza region to get its rightful share of the cake that was denied to it by previous regimes.
“The current regime means well for our people. President Ruto ignored divisive politics that were spread by ex-DP Rigathi Gachagua and ensured that the Nyanza region got its rightful share of resources. We want to ask Ruto to continue releasing our share for people to feel they are in government,” he added.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi echoed Oburu’s sentiments, saying that Ruto is the suitable and best bet in 2027.
“Being at the executive is so sweet, and if nobody can bargain for you at the negotiation table, you are doomed as a community. Other regions will thrive in terms of development, while certain regions get limited or no development,” Wandayi said.
Wandayi noted that for years, Nyanza lagged behind not because Luos were lazy, but because they were starved by previous regimes – there was no proper leader who would agitate for the community’s interests.
“We have had MPs, senators, and MCAs that represented us at their levels, but still the region’s development stagnated,” he added.