ODM not focused on ‘Ruto must go’ agenda, says Oburu
By Faith Lagat, May 17, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has stated that the party is not pursuing the ‘Ruto must go’ agenda advanced by some opposition figures, maintaining that ODM’s focus remains on policy engagement and internal party discipline ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during the ODM Nyanza Delegates Consultative Forum in Kisumu, on May 17, 2026, Oburu said the party was not interested in campaigns centred on removing President William Ruto from office.
“We don’t care about people whose agenda is to remove an individual, that ‘Ruto must go’. If Ruto goes, so what? The question of Ruto must go is not our agenda,” he stated.
The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments as ODM continues consultations linked to cooperation with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the broad-based government arrangement.
Party discipline and internal disagreements
Oburu acknowledged the existence of differing opinions within ODM, including members associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, but stressed that party discipline remains central to ODM’s operations.
“In a democracy, there must be discipline. You cannot just talk against the party policy, and you still expect to hold high office in the same party,” he said.
He added that members who choose to leave the party would still be free to return, but under established party structures. “If they want to fly, they can fly. But if they want to come back to the party, we shall admit them. But they must know that when they come, they come with a tail, which is a coiled tail. And they cannot think that they will start from the top,” Oburu stated.
The comments follow recent criticism from some ODM leaders over the party’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi recently stated he would not seek re-election on an ODM ticket in 2027, while Siaya Governor James Orengo has also expressed concerns over ODM’s engagement with UDA.
Coalition talks and 2027 preparations
ODM leaders have continued discussions on future political arrangements ahead of the next general election. Oburu recently indicated that the party would seek equitable power-sharing arrangements in any future coalition agreement, including discussions around the Deputy President position.
Party chairperson Gladys Wanga has also spoken on the need for balanced negotiations between ODM and its political partners. Meanwhile, discussions on zoning arrangements between ODM and UDA continue, with differing views emerging over candidate placement in various regions.
The Kisumu consultative forum brought together ODM delegates from the Nyanza region as the party continues internal consultations on coalition strategy, party unity, and preparations for the 2027 polls.