Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga addressed supporters at a rally in Siaya County on Saturday, February 21, 2026, saying that the party will not expel any member.

He made it clear that anyone uncomfortable with ODM is free to leave.

“What we want is the unity of our party. We are not expelling anybody from the party, but anybody who feels that he is uncomfortable with us can leave if he likes. Anybody who is uncomfortable can do what? Can leave if they like,” Oburu said.

The ODM leader said the party is focused on strengthening itself ahead of the nextgeneral election.. He stressed that the upcoming negotiations will focus on policies, development programmes, and power-sharing arrangements, rather than just political alliances.

“We are going to negotiate on policies. We are going to negotiate on development programmes. We are also going to negotiate on sharing of positions, which includes sharing power,” Oburu said.

Oburu emphasised that the rally was meant to consolidate the party’s base and provide a clear direction as Kenya prepares for the next elections.

“We have gathered here in Siaya as the community of ODM. What we are discussing is how to strengthen our party so that our party remains the leading party in this country called Kenya,” he said.

He dismissed claims that ODM is rushing into early political negotiations. According to Oburu, preparations for elections are normal and strategic.

“I don’t know why some people are saying we are in a hurry. We are not, because people are already preparing for the nextgeneral election. We cannot sit back,” he said. He urged critics to allow ODM to organise without interference.

‘Azimio coalition no longer exists’

Oburu also said that the Azimio coalition no longer exists following ODM’s exit.

“And I want to say that there is an organisation called Azimio where we were, and that Azimio died the day ODM left it. We left Azimio a long time ago; it’s only that we had not formalised it. But now we have passed a resolution now to formalise our exit from Azimio, and it is going to be done,” he said.

He reminded Kenyans that ODM has spent many years in opposition but is now determined to play a central role in the next government.

“There is no political party that is formed just to remain in opposition. We have been in opposition for a long time, and this time round we are going to make sure that we are in power,” he declared.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi supported Oburu’s remarks, stressing that ODM’s focus is on lawful and structured political engagement. Wandayi also expressed support for pre-election negotiations between ODM and President William Ruto.

“President William Ruto has walked with our community for a very long time. I support the pre-election negotiations pact that Oburu is going to lead and do with President William Ruto,” he said.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi described the rally as a milestone for both Siaya County and the party.