Oburu Oginga, leader of Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement, has rejected persistent rumours that the opposition party has been sold to President William Ruto, declaring that the party is “too big and costly” for anyone to buy and asserting that he would be its automatic presidential candidate in 2027 should the party run independently.
Speaking to journalists at a South Coast hotel, the Siaya senator and elder brother of the late Raila Odinga said the party constitution explicitly designates the party leader as its presidential flagbearer in any general election.
“I am the ODM presidential candidate in 2027,” Oburu declared. “Anyone else seeking the presidency should find another party. ODM is not for sale as it is too big and costly for anybody to buy it.”
He dismissed as “daydreamers” those spreading claims that the party had already been auctioned to the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance, adding that no individual could pocket proceeds from such a transaction on behalf of the party’s millions of members.
Uneasy position in national politics
Oburu’s remarks come at a sensitive moment for Orange Democratic Movement, which has been navigating an uneasy position in national politics since several senior members accepted cabinet positions in President William Ruto broad-based government in 2024. The arrangement, initially presented as a national unity initiative, has fuelled speculation that the party is gradually being absorbed into the ruling coalition ahead of the 2027 vote.
The party leader insisted that participation in government does not preclude Orange Democratic Movement from fielding its own presidential candidate. He revealed that the party is actively reorganising and consulting grassroots leaders, with a final decision on whether to contest the election alone or enter a coalition expected by the end of 2026.
“Since I am the party leader, then it is me who will be the presidential candidate because that is what the party constitution says,” Oburu said. “If we are going it alone, then I am the presidential candidate.”
Legacy after Raila Odinga
Oburu assumed the Orange Democratic Movement leadership following the death of Raila Odinga, the charismatic opposition icon who dominated Kenyan politics for more than three decades and ran for president five times. The passing of Raila Odinga left a significant void in the opposition landscape, raising questions about whether the party could maintain its independence or would drift toward accommodation with the ruling administration.
Senior figures deny sale rumours
Other senior Orange Democratic Movement figures have issued similar denials in recent days. Siaya Governor James Orengo warned last week that attempts to “buy” established political parties amounted to an assault on democracy and urged members to resist any effort to “swallow” the party. Party chairperson Gladys Wanga has also stressed that Orange Democratic Movement is focused solely on internal reorganisation for the upcoming elections and that sale rumours are baseless.
Political analysts say the speculation reflects broader anxiety about shifting alliances as the 2027 race approaches. Orange Democratic Movement remains one of Kenya’s largest and best-organised parties, with strong support in western Kenya, the Coast region and urban centres. Any perceived dilution of its opposition identity could reshape the electoral map.
Oburu closed by urging aspiring presidential candidates within the party to “think twice” and seek alternative platforms if Orange Democratic Movement opts to go solo. “Our constitution already has a presidential candidate,” he said, “and that candidate is the party leader.”
