Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Oginga has said he is willing to relinquish his position if his leadership becomes a source of division within the Luo community.

He made the remarks during an ODM rally at Kirembe Grounds in Kisumu on Sunday, May 31,2026, where he urged supporters to remain loyal to the party and avoid actions that could weaken its unity.

“I do not like anything that separates our region. If it is me who is going to separate our region, I am willing to leave the position,” he said. The statement was received with cheers from supporters attending the rally.

ODM leadership succession and party unity

Oburu addressed concerns surrounding his rise to ODM leadership following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga. He said he did not seek the position and explained how his appointment came about through party processes.

“I did not know at any point that I could be the ODM party leader, but they are the ones who saw that I was fit for the position,” he said.

He noted that the proposal for his leadership was made by ODM deputy leaders, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, and supported through party structures.

Oburu urged members with political ambitions to exercise patience, saying leadership opportunities would come in due course while emphasising the need to preserve unity within the party.

Commitment to ODM, legacy and future elections

The ODM leader reaffirmed commitment to the party’s history and legacy, noting its formation through long struggle and sacrifice. He referenced Raila Odinga, saying his legacy must be protected.

“If you make this party fall, the spirit of Raila Odinga, who formed this party, may haunt you,” he said.

Oburu also defended ODM’s participation in the broad-based administration, stating that it had delivered opportunities for the region. He expressed confidence that ODM would perform strongly in the next General Election.

“I want to tell people that moving forward in the next government, we will not enter through the window like in this one. We want to enter through the door in the next election and, after entering, we will have an agreement in our own government that we have formed,” he said.

The rally ended with party supporters reaffirming loyalty to ODM and its leadership.