ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has urged voters to prioritise integrity, competence and service delivery when choosing leaders, warning against the growing influence of money in politics.
Speaking during an ODM consultative meeting for party aspirants in Kisumu on Monday, the Orange Democratic Movement leader said political leadership should be treated as a public service responsibility rather than a route to personal wealth.
He blamed the increasing commercialization of politics for the election of unqualified leaders, saying financial influence has distorted democratic choice.
“It is money that is spoiling the politics of this country. It is money that is making people elect those who do not deserve leadership,” he said.
The Senator said politicians who enter public life expecting to accumulate wealth are bound to be disappointed.
“If you want to get into politics to make money, I can assure you, you will regret it. If you get a chance to serve, just serve your people,” he said.
He urged aspirants to earn public trust through service delivery, accountability and grassroots engagement rather than relying on financial handouts.
Oburu, who has served in Parliament for multiple terms and previously worked as an elected councillor in Kisumu, said ODM’s political strength has historically been built on grassroots mobilisation rather than money politics.
He also called for unity within ODM, warning that internal competition should not weaken the party ahead of future elections.
“Our party is as strong as you are united. Even those who did not win positions in the recent ODM elections should not worry because members, not officials, will decide during nominations,” he said.
He encouraged aspirants to focus on building membership and strengthening grassroots structures instead of depending on party officials for political success.
“If you want more supporters, look for them in the membership, not in the office,” he added.
Oburu also cautioned against attempts to influence him through bribery, insisting he would remain firm in his leadership decisions.
“As a party leader, I will resist attempts aimed at bribing me by any aspirant. I have little for myself to eat so I don’t need anything from anyone,” he said.
He maintained that leaders who enter politics primarily to accumulate wealth are misguided and out of touch with public service values
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