Odinga’s Brother Lays Down Ultimatum for ODM’s 2027 Alliance
In a significant move that charts the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) future, the party’s acting leader Oburu Oginga has declared that it must secure the Deputy President position in any election alliance with President William Ruto for the 2027 polls, or it will walk away from negotiations.
The demand was made during an interview on NTV, following Raila Odinga’s exit from the Kenyan political stage to pursue the African Union Commission chairmanship. With ODM positioning itself as the leading opposition force, Oburu’s ultimatum sets a high-stakes precondition for any partnership with the ruling party.
This stance was reinforced as Oburu, in his interim leadership role, endorsed Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s plan for the party to field a presidential candidate in 2027. Sifuna has himself rejected any reduced role in coalitions, insisting that ODM must get at least the deputy presidency if it joins a government. Oburu’s support for this position aims to preserve party unity and reinforce his brother Raila’s political vision.
The hardline demand has, however, sparked internal divisions. Nairobi MCA Robert Alai publicly criticized the move as shortsighted. In contrast, prominent legal expert Ahmednasir Abdullahi viewed it as a “historic and richly deserving” opportunity for the Luo community, noting it would be the first time since 1966 that a Deputy President would come from Luo Nyanza. This highlights the enduring role of ethnic calculations in Kenya’s political landscape.
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