Oburu hints that ODM will field presidential candidate in 2027
Dr Oburu Oginga has given the strongest hint yet that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will field a candidate in the 2027 presidential election.
The assertions by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s brother cast doubt on the possibility of the party backing President William Ruto for a second term.
Dr Oginga also stated that the former premier would still be eligible to contest the presidency for a sixth time and propel the Orange party into power where it can implement the policies that would transform the lives of Kenyans.
According to the Siaya senator, Mr Odinga has never stopped working for the people.
“We shall have our own presidential candidate as ODM and should there be a need for an alliance with other like-minded parties we shall agree on the best candidate. But we shall cross the bridge when we get there,” said Dr Oginga.
Dr Oginga was speaking in a “Tell it all” interview at a Luo vernacular TV Station on Tuesday night.
His sentiments come just a few days after the interim ODM Party Leader Anyang’ Nyong’o insisted that right now the party is focused on strengthening itself as it prepares to clinch power in 2027. He dismissed those claiming that ODM is slowly losing its popularity across the country.
“People must have divergent views in ODM, but it remains an institution that has been built over the years and has survived for decades post multiparty era. It has established its grass root network across the country,” said Prof Nyong’o.
Stronger outfit
Dr Oburu on his part maintained that there was no political party world over which has ever been established to be in the opposition.
“ODM cannot collapse simply because Raila has gone to the AU. He will be around to give us guidance which the law doesn’t stop him from doing. We as leaders want to strengthen the party so that when he comes, he will get a bigger and stronger outfit,” said Dr Oginga.
He stated that the party decided to release some of its members to join the Kenya Kwanza government not only to strengthen President Ruto’s administration, but also to keep it in check.
The senator however stated that ODM was not part of the government pointing out that the party has embarked on a rigorous campaign to strengthen itself by carrying out grass root elections.
“We will not leave our strongholds to anyone and support Ruto. If Ruto wants to be in a coalition with us, we will have to discuss, but with our candidate in place too. Dissolving ODM is also out of the question. We did that during the NDP times when we decided to work with the former president Daniel Moi and it worked against us,” he said.
After losing the 2017 elections to Uhuru Kenyatta, Mr Odinga had a handshake with the former president and forged a working partnership which almost cost him his political career after a section of Kenyans blamed him for the failures of the Jubilee government.
Asked whether Mr Odinga was ready to risk carrying the burden of a failed government again should Kenya Kwanza fall short of delivering its promises to Kenyans, Dr Oginga said that they do not have enough stake in the ruling government to be blamed for any shortcomings.
“There are no ODM policies being implemented at the moment. We are not in government and therefore cannot take responsibility for it. In fact, some few months to election, nothing will stop Raila from contesting for the presidency or any other leader from ODM. We can also form coalitions with other people,” said the Siaya senator.
He claimed that the ODM members serving in President Ruto’s government were performing well at the moment.
His sentiments are shared by Dr Obora Okoth, a political analyst who notes that with only 20 percent share of the government, ODM cannot own up to Kenya Kwanza’s mistakes.
“Currently the ministries of health, agriculture, education and internal security are the ones Kenyans have a problem with, while the attorney-general works in the background. The ODM CSs will easily tell the people what they have done and absolve themselves from the Kenya Kwanza baggage,” said Dr Okoth.
He added that there is also no structured engagement or agreement that shows that they are in government and should take collective responsibility.
When it comes to the broad-based government, Dr Oginga stated that they decided to work with President Ruto in order to stop the anti-government protests that were threatening to spiral out of control.
Gen Z and Azimio
According to him, the GenZ came out to support the Azimio agenda of protesting over high cost of living and over taxation by the government, but they shook the foundation of the government to an extent that the stability of the country was threatened.
“That’s why ODM stepped in to prevent the country from disintegrating into anarchy. Kenya is not an island or any different from its neighbours. All those bad things we see happening in other countries can happen here too. That is why as ODM we decided to allow President Ruto’s government to complete its term in the remaining two or so years,” said Mr Oginga.
He however expressed concern that the president had begun early campaigns at the expense of service delivery.
“I have been alive for so long and I know that early campaigns are not good for the country. I believe the cabinet secretaries are the ones who should be allowed to talk about what the government has done or announce what they have achieved in their ministries whether it is water, health, roads or energy. They should be the ones selling government policies,” said Dr Oginga.
“If I were one of his advisors, I would tell him to stop admonishing people or his rivals, stop pronouncements and instead talk less and deliver on the promises made, but unfortunately I am not one of them,” said Dr Oginga.
He called on the government to stop being in denial whenever things are not working right. He singled out the Social Health Insurance fund, which he said needed rethinking and urged the government to listen to the public.
On Mr Odinga’s race for the AUC chairmanship, The Senator exuded confidence that his brother will succeed.
“Raila has told me that things are going on well. He told me that there is nowhere he has gone and received a negative response. This is why we are hopeful that he will clinch the seat,” said Dr Oginga.
He however ruled out working with former Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who to him despised Mr Odinga’ supporters branding them non-shareholders in the government.
“He has never apologized for calling us non-shareholders and therefore we cannot entertain any of his sentiments. Whatever brought a rift between him and his boss, we do not know. We just impeached him because he discriminated against us,” said Dr Oginga.
He however admitted that Mr Gachagua’ popularity and influence was growing in Mount Kenya especially among the elite.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.