Oburu Oginga Demands Loyalty Over ODM-Ruto Alliance

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga issued an ultimatum to party members and political leaders who oppose the party's cooperation with President William Ruto. Speaking at a broad-based government meeting in Naivasha on Monday, Oginga demanded that dissidents either openly declare their position or leave the party, stating that the organization would not be held hostage by internal rebels.

Oginga defended the alliance as a pragmatic response to political realities following the party's failure to secure the presidency in previous elections. He urged leaders to be straightforward about their concerns rather than remaining "fence sitters," asserting that the party must know who is aligned with the current arrangement. He further highlighted ODM's organizational strength, describing it as one of Kenya's longest-serving parties with a structure extending from the grassroots to polling stations.

The demands come amid deep internal divisions within ODM. Tensions have emerged between Oginga and former Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, while Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has opposed proposed political zoning arrangements. These conflicts reflect a broader struggle between leaders seeking government influence and those who believe the partnership with the Kenya Kwanza administration weakens the party's identity as an opposition movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.