Oburu Oginga Clarifies ODM’s Position, Says Mbadi and Wandayi Do Not Speak for Party
The acting ODM leader also came out to defend Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, maintaining that his utterances represent the party’s genuine stand.
Acting ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga (centre) with national chairperson Gladys Wanga and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna Photo/courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Acting Orange Democratic Movement leader Oburu Oginga has come out to clarify that Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi do not represent the official position of ODM on national political issues. Speaking on Sunday, Oburu denied reports that utterances by two senior leaders were indicative of the party’s stand, arguing that their recent role in government has aligned them to the Kenya Kwanza regime.
“Those of us who are in government, like John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, are part of the administration. They are not speaking for our party; the president is their boss,” Oburu said. He explained that with Mbadi and Wandayi taking up positions in government, they ceased being spokespersons of ODM, since “they had to resign their positions to join government.”
Oburu maintained that ODM’s position in national politics was clear and well defined despite speculation from some quarters. He said the party was continuing to engage the ruling United Democratic Alliance, headed by President William Ruto, based on the existing bipartisan approach on a shared 10-point agenda, adding that discussions on pre-election or post-election coalitions for the 2027 General Election would be held when the time would come.
“Those who are saying we don’t have a clear position — we have it. In 2027, when the time comes, either pre-election or post-election coalitions will be discussed,” he said. Oburu added, “For now, we are staying in this broad-based arrangement with UDA, and the issues we are tackling are also on the 10-point agenda. We have not moved out of that and have not said anything more than that.”
The acting ODM leader also came out to defend Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, maintaining that his utterances represent the party’s genuine stand. “When Sifuna says what he says, he is within his right and that is the correct position of the party. He is not isolated,” Oburu told NTV in an interview. He added that Sifuna has continually shown loyalty to ODM’s cause and carried out his responsibilities effectively.
Oburu further dismissed calls from some party members for his removal as secretary general, arguing that internal unity is more important than individual disagreements at this stage. “I don’t think this is the time to talk about ouster of any member. This is the time to unite the party, and we need all members including Sifuna. In my view, he is doing a good job,” he said.
His comments come amidst internal debates and speculations on the future of ODM following the death of its leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Oburu’s remarks sought to reassure the public and the membership of ODM that the party is cohesive and what is said in public by the party officials reflects the party’s position, not those of individuals. This clarification bolsters ODM’s commitment to the current political engagements and emphasizes unity and disciplined messaging of the party in its post-Raila era and into the 2027 elections.
About Author
