ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has told off his critics against perceiving him as politically weak, emphasizing that his age should not be mistaken for vulnerability or submission.
Speaking during an ODM delegates’ meeting for the Nyanza region held in Kisumu on Sunday, Oburu singled out disgruntled members linked to the Linda Mwanainchi faction, accusing them of undermining the party leadership and disregarding party discipline.
“You think because I am old, I am weak. I want to assure you that I am not weak. Old is gold,” Oburu told delegates amid cheers from supporters.
The veteran politician stressed that discipline remains a key pillar of the party, warning members against publicly opposing ODM policies while still expecting to retain influential positions within the party.
“In a democracy there must be discipline. You cannot speak against party policy and still expect to hold high office in the same party,” he said.
His remarks appeared directed at leaders associated with the Linda Mwanainchi movement, a faction that has openly criticized ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Oburu defended ODM’s participation in the broad-based government arrangement, describing it as a strategic and carefully negotiated decision aimed at enabling the party to influence national policies, development, and security matters for the benefit of Kenyans.
“We are here in a broad-based government in a very structured and negotiated manner with a clear vision on what we want in policies, development and peace for our people,” he stated.
He also dismissed political campaigns centred on the slogan “Ruto must go,” arguing that removing an individual from office does not in itself constitute a political agenda.
“So, if Ruto goes, so what? That is not our agenda. Our agenda is to get power for our people and improve the lives of Kenyans,” Oburu added.
At the same time, the ODM leader extended an olive branch to dissenting members, saying the party remained open to welcoming them back provided they respected party structures and abandoned acts of open rebellion.
“If they want to fly, they can fly. But if they want to come back to the party, we shall admit them. However, they must come back with a coiled tail. They cannot expect to start from the top again,” he warned.
Oburu compared ODM’s political journey to the River Nile, saying the party remained focused on its long-term mission despite criticism from opponents and internal dissenters.
He also acknowledged the rising cost of fuel and the economic challenges facing many Kenyans, pledging that ODM leaders would engage the government in seeking relief measures, including possible reductions in taxes on petroleum products.
The meeting brought together ODM delegates and grassroots leaders from across the Nyanza region as the party seeks to strengthen unity amid growing internal divisions over its political direction.
Leave a comment