Orange Democratic Movement leader Oburu Oginga has hinted that the party may not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election after declaring that he will defend his Siaya County senatorial seat.
Speaking during an ODM consultative meeting for party aspirants in Kisumu on Monday, Dr. Oburu said he would seek re-election as Siaya Senator in 2027, remarks that strengthened speculation that ODM could back President William Ruto’s re-election bid under the broad-based arrangement.
“I will be defending my position as Siaya Senator in the 2027 General Election,” Dr. Oburu said.
If ODM skips the presidential race, it will mark the first time the party has failed to field a presidential candidate since its formation.
The development comes months after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.
The remarks by Dr. Oburu appeared to contradict a position taken earlier by a section of ODM leaders, who had insisted that the party must honour Raila Odinga’s legacy by fielding a presidential candidate in 2027.
The Linda Mwananchi faction led by Siaya Governor James Orengo said it remained the true custodian of Raila’s political ideals and opposed cooperation with President Ruto’s administration.
Orengo also accused some ODM leaders of abandoning the party’s ideals, naming Dr. Oburu, Gladys Wanga and Junet Mohamed.
He maintained that the Linda Mwananchi faction would field a presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.
“There are people who were sleeping in Raila Odinga’s class. Let them leave us, those who were attentive, to continue with the party leadership,” Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said during a recent political meeting.
Sifuna also claimed that the late Raila had warned him against working with President Ruto.
“The late Raila Odinga told me that there is no way we will walk with leaders like President Ruto,” he said.
Dr. Oburu’s declaration is now likely to fuel speculation that ODM could formally support President Ruto’s re-election bid under the broad-based political arrangement.
Speaking at the meeting, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga urged aspirants to avoid abusive language during campaigns.
“ODM, as the largest party in the region, must rise above petty politics,” Wanga said.
ODM National Elections Board coordinator Emily Awita assured aspirants that party nominations would be free, fair and transparent.
“The exercise will be above board and graft-free,” Awita said.
ODM Executive Director Joshua Kawinio said the party machinery remained intact despite Raila’s death.
“All party instruments are intact. Anybody thinking on the contrary is misguided,” Kawinio said.
He said ODM nominations would be conducted transparently ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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