The leader of the ODM party, Dr. Oburu Oginga, has strongly responded to critics including the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who claim that the Orange Democratic Movement party is being silently absorbed by the political machine of President William Ruto.
The ODM leader said emphatically that the party is so big and powerful that it cannot be swallowed up.
Speaking during the ODM Youth Conference in Nairobi on Monday, the Siaya Senator received loud applause when he attacked those who painted the party as sinking.
“Our party will continue to grow from strength to strength. It is too big to swallow. If you try to swallow it, your stomach will burst,” Oburu told delegates.
The excited statements came at a time when political pressure is mounting from the United Opposition led by Gachagua, who has repeatedly claimed that some top ODM leaders have been influenced by the White House.
Gachagua’s claims
Gachagua has been one of the biggest critics of ODM’s participation in the Broad Partnership Government programme, clearly implying that some of the party’s top leaders including Oburu, the Governor of Homa Bay Gladys Wangaand Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed received “advance payments” to sell their party to President Ruto.
The former Deputy President made the new allegations at the weekend in Dagoretti, telling ODM supporters that their party was “bought” through the two leaders.
Oburu responded by denying the allegations and warned that he will take legal action against anyone who repeats the allegations in public.
“Even if they slander 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 was bought. I cannot be bought,” he said.
Junet Adds Fire
Also speaking at the youth meeting, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed criticized Gachagua, saying he has no moral authority to discuss ODM’s internal affairs. He said his party is a “village party.”
“Even Migori County is too big for his DCP party. He can say what he wants about Oburu, Wanga, and Junet,” he told the meeting.
Internal Conflicts and Union Negotiations
This show of strength from Oburu comes at a difficult time for the party.
ODM has been suffering from sharp divisions since the death of its long-time leader Raila Odinga.
The Linda Ground group endorsed Oburu as party leader at the Special Delegates Meeting in Kibra, while the rival Linda Mwananchi group led by Edwin Sifuna refusing to recognize those results.
At the same time, ODM is in sensitive negotiations to form alliances with the UDA towards the 2027 General Election, a move that has also given rise to allegations of betrayal.
Oburu has emphasized that despite the existence of good will between the two parties, no formal negotiations have started, nor have negotiation teams been formed.
The ODM leader has said that the party will fight hard for its traditional areas of Nyanza, West, Coast, and Nairobi, and will not give any parliamentary, governorship, or MCA position to any partner party.
A Party That Rediscovers Itself
Beyond those strong statements, analysts see Oburu’s recent remarks as part of a deliberate strategy to rebuild ODM as an institution based on ideology and structures instead of individuals, a message aimed at reassuring members who are still dealing with the effects of Raila Odinga’s death.
For now, the message from Orange House is clear: anyone who wants to face ODM must be very “hungry” and be prepared for serious consequences.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
