ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has urged critics questioning the party’s leadership to raise their concerns through the National Delegates Convention (NDC), saying he is confident in internal party processes.
Speaking during a funeral service in Alego Constituency, Oburu said he is prepared to convene the NDC to address claims regarding the legitimacy of the party’s leadership.
“Those saying the leadership is not legitimate should come to the NDC. I am not afraid of it, and I will call it very soon,” he said.
He described suggestions that ODM leaders are confused or speaking without authority on the party’s engagement with the government as misleading and politically motivated.
Oburu said all discussions that led to ODM’s participation in the broad-based government were conducted formally and through the party’s established structures.
“I chaired all the meetings on the broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto,” he said, adding that no decisions were taken outside the party’s leadership organs.
He noted that he personally oversaw discussions that resulted in cabinet-level and senior government appointments for ODM members.
Oburu said ODM currently has 14 Principal Secretaries, alongside several directors and senior officials serving in government positions, which he said reflect the party’s organisation and influence.
He clarified that ODM did not actively seek entry into government, explaining that the opportunity arose after political developments, including the Gen Z-led protests.
However, he emphasised that ODM’s participation aims to ensure its supporters receive their share, which he said had been denied over many years.
“The government is big. We are not taking anyone’s share. We are only demanding what belongs to our people,” Oburu said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi supported Oburu’s position, saying there is no leadership vacuum in ODM and that the matter had been resolved by the party’s organs.
“There is no leadership vacuum in ODM. The issue was settled by the National Governing Council, acting on behalf of the National Delegates Conference. Anyone imagining otherwise is daydreaming,” Wandayi said.
He cautioned against individuals acting as if the party cannot function without them.
“It cannot be that unless a particular individual is leading, nothing can happen in the party. We cannot allow such conduct, and we shall deal with it firmly, regardless of who is involved,” he added.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi also called for unity, urging members to support Oburu’s leadership.
“We want the party to be united under the leadership of Oburu Odinga. We are in the politics of negotiation,” Atandi said.
He said the party has not sanctioned anyone being removed from ODM.
“We have not said anywhere that someone should be chased away from ODM. But there are people who think Dr Oburu is not suitable to lead the party, and that is why they get the audacity to call parallel meetings to claim they are taking over ODM affairs,” he said.
Atandi described such actions as disrespectful, noting Oburu was not consulted or invited to the meetings.
“That kind of disrespect is what we are against. Let us be united and build this party. What we will not tolerate is disrespect toward the ODM party leader,” he added.
Oburu reassured supporters that ODM remains united, stable, and grounded in its structures, dismissing suggestions of a leadership crisis.
He reaffirmed that the party’s engagement in the broad-based government is legitimate, purposeful, and aimed at addressing historical exclusion as ODM positions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.