Orange Democratic Movement party leader Oburu Oginga has challenged critics questioning the legitimacy of his leadership to confront him directly at the party’s upcoming National Delegates Conference, which he promised to convene soon.
Speaking at a funeral in Siaya County on Friday, Oburu dismissed claims that he was not validly elected, asserting that the NDC would serve as the proper forum to settle all disputes.
“I will call it very soon. Anyone claiming I was not validly elected should face me at the NDC. I fear no one,” he declared.
The challenge arises amid heightened internal tensions in Orange Democratic Movement following the death of its founding leader Raila Odinga late last year. Oburu, Raila’s elder brother and Siaya senator, was appointed acting party leader by the National Executive Committee shortly after.
Growing internal divisions
Some party members, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have demanded an immediate NDC to elect top officials democratically, citing provisions in the party constitution. Owino has publicly expressed readiness to assume leadership, while other voices such as Winnie Odinga, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch have raised concerns over perceived top-down decisions and the party’s direction.
Recent weeks have seen efforts at dialogue, including meetings between Oburu and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, as well as interventions to withdraw petitions seeking leadership changes. Senior figures have urged unity to avoid further fragmentation.
Role in broad-based government
Oburu has defended his position by highlighting his role in securing cabinet slots for key Orange Democratic Movement figures in President William Ruto’s broad-based government, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
He chaired negotiations that delivered these positions as part of the cooperation agreement between Orange Democratic Movement and United Democratic Alliance.
Stakes for 2027 elections
With the 2027 general election approaching, Oburu indicated that Orange Democratic Movement would decide this year whether to deepen its partnership with United Democratic Alliance or contest independently. In the latter scenario, he said he would automatically become the party’s presidential flagbearer.
Analysts view the promised National Delegates Conference as a potential turning point — one that could either consolidate party unity or expose deeper generational and ideological rifts in what was once Kenya’s dominant opposition force.
The conference’s outcome will likely shape Orange Democratic Movement’s strategy in a post-Raila era marked by both cooperation with the ruling coalition and calls for renewed independence.
