Oburu threatens legal action against critics over ODM sale remarks
By Aloys Michael, April 20, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has signalled that he will move to court against his critics following remarks claiming that he had been bought by the State.
Addressing delegates at the ODM youth convention held in Nairobi on Monday, April 20, 2026, Oburu dismissed the accusations as defamatory and said he intends to pursue legal redress, adding that they will be required to present evidence in court to support their claims.
“Even if they abuse us, we are still moving forward. But one of them claims Oburu has been bought. I will take him to court to explain how much Oburu has been bought. I cannot be bought,” he stated.
Oburu stated that he was not bothered by those mocking him and the ODM party for their decision to stay in the broad-based government, saying the opponents can say whatever they want.
“I do not want to talk about our opponents. They can say whatever they want to say but we are moving forward,” Oburu said.
On claims that President William Ruto’s UDA party had absorbed ODM, Oburu dismissed the claims, insisting that ODM remains the country’s largest political party and cannot be overtaken or subsumed by any other party.
“Our party will grow from strength to strength. It is too big to be swallowed. If you try to swallow it your stomach will burst.”
Though he did not mention the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by name, the former DP has on many occasions stated that Ruto had bought Oburu and the entire ODM party.
During one of his rallies in Kiambu County on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Gachagua sensationally claimed that President Ruto had a broader agenda of finishing ODM.
“The ODM that used to defend Kenyans has now been bought by Ruto from Gladys Wanga and Oburu Odinga. I told the people of ODM that Ruto will finish your party,” he stated.
The remarks come amid growing tensions within the broad-based coalition, as ODM and UDA openly clash over the future direction of their partnership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM has advocated for a zoning arrangement in its traditional strongholds, while UDA has insisted it will field candidates nationwide across all 47 counties, arguing that unrestricted competition is essential for strengthening democratic choice. UDA maintains that no political party should be barred from contesting anywhere in the country, questioning why ODM appears opposed to open competition despite its long-standing claim of being the largest
political force.
Party sold to Ruto?
Moreover, Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused senior figures within the ODM of betraying the party, declaring that “ODM has been sold” to President William Ruto’s administration.
Orengo made the remarks during a graduation ceremony in Siaya County for 492 youth trained in digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills under the Africa Centre for Women in ICT (ACWICT) programme on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
“Raila Amolo Odinga built a national party called ODM, but some of our colleagues, many from Nyanza, have sold that party,” Orengo said.
He dismissed President Ruto’s recent pledge to “end the noise” in ODM, insisting that only party members could resolve internal disputes.