- ODM leader Oburu Odinga has urged strict discipline within the party, warning against “bad criticism” that undermines collective decisions and undermines unity.
- He stressed the need to strengthen ODM before power-sharing talks with President Ruto’s UDA party, promising reforms to ensure free and fair elections
- Despite his call for unity, Oburu is facing growing opposition from factions within the party and even within his own family, with Winnie Odinga leading a youth-led movement for change.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga he has encouraged strict discipline within the party, insisting that internal disagreements should not undermine its direction or goals.
Source: Twitter
The ODM leader described what he called “destructive criticism”, warning that members who publicly oppose the party’s decisions after participating in them risk undermining its unity.
“Words that do not build on what the party is determined to follow, and instead seek to mislead the party and its voters or prevent it from doing what it is meant to do, are similar to what I describe as destructive criticism that weakens the party,” he said.
Why Oburu Oginga wants order in ODM
He pointed out that although democracy allows minority opinions, once a decision has been made collectively, individual members do not have the right to publicly oppose it.
“Discipline within the party is important, and once a decision has been made by a body that includes a member, that member does not have the right to take a public opposition position after participating in that decision. Democracy allows the few to express their opinion while the majority wins, and that principle guides joint actions and stability in governance,” he added.
He expressed these sentiments ahead of the much-awaited power-sharing talks between ODM and the President’s UDA William Ruto.
Oburu also stressed the strategic importance of strengthening ODM’s position ahead of government formation talks.
“The party remains independent and will negotiate either to rule alone or in a coalition, encouraging members to strengthen its position as no one will negotiate with the weak. Supporters are called to register as voters and members of ODM to increase the number, which will be the catalyst for the party in negotiations,” he noted.
Regarding party activities, he promised reforms to ensure free and fair selection, addressing concerns from members concerned about fairness and equity in the selection process.
“Our party will greatly improve the selection process, to ensure that those who care about justice and equality are addressed. Free and fair selection will be done so that all candidates get the right they deserve,” he said.
What are the challenges that Oburu has faced?
Since taking over ODM last November, the Siaya senator has been facing strong criticism from various groups within ODM, with some calling for his removal as party leader.
Some, such as Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, said Oburu was illegally installed as party leader, hours after the death of Raila Odingathe party’s longtime leader.
Source: Twitter
- Oburu also faces opposition from his own family, meanwhile Winnie Odingathe daughter of a former Prime Minister, seeking to choose her own political path.
Winnie joins the party’s youth group, which, among others, has elected ODM general secretary Edwin Sifuna.
Why has Oburu Oginga called a meeting of the Odinga family
As a result, Oburu said he has called a family meeting to resolve the issues. He is currently the most senior leader in the Jaramogi Oginga family.
He explained that the meeting scheduled for February 1 will aim to involve relatives and young people with different perspectives, and assure them of love, care, support, and guidance as part of one family.
He added that he was there for them and was ready to do the work, ready to give advice and support, and assured them that the process would continue as a family partnership based on unity, understanding, and support.
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