Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has delivered a pointed message to Kenya’s emerging United Opposition, urging them to draw lessons from the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) long history of political struggle and its current strategic positioning in power.

His remarks came during President William Ruto’s visit to Bondo on March 8, 2026, amid ongoing broad-based government arrangements between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking at a church service and during a development tour in Siaya County, Oburu emphasised that ODM remains committed to the broad-based government formed following the late Raila Odinga’s engagement with President Ruto.

“We are in this broad-based arrangement where Raila left us, and we are not going to leave it soon,” he said, highlighting the party’s intent to stay engaged rather than revert to perpetual opposition.

Lessons from Opposition experience

Oburu directly addressed critics and those in the United Opposition who appear intent on returning to confrontational politics, including calls for demonstrations.

He reminded them that ODM has extensive experience in opposition, including leading protests and enduring long periods outside government.

“Our people were not born to be in the opposition forever. Let others also take the position,” he said. “We have been there for a long time. If it is demonstrations, we know demonstrations more than all of them. But they can come to us for lessons on demonstrations.”

He framed the party’s current approach as pragmatic and forward-looking, stressing preparations for negotiations ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We don’t want something from the mountain. We don’t want your share. We just want our share,” Oburu said, underlining ODM’s pursuit of fair representation and influence without undermining the partnership.

ODM-UDA cooperation in focus

Oburu defended the broad-based government’s progress, particularly on the ten-point agenda. He noted significant advancements, including increased devolved funds to counties, now at 415 billion shillings, with plans to push toward 450 billion as envisioned by the late Raila Odinga.

He praised President Ruto’s energy in touring the country and explaining government achievements, contrasting it with opposition narratives that nothing has been done.

“How do you leave government to go and join the opposition and then come back to government? I don’t understand the logic,” he said.

During the visit to Bondo, Oburu joined President Ruto in launching the Siaya Community Digital Hub and inspecting development projects, highlighting tangible benefits of the ODM-UDA cooperation.