Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has said that he will automatically be the party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2027 General Election, supposing the party decides to contest the election independently.
Speaking in Diani, Kwale County, while delivering his New Year message to Kenyans and ODM supporters, Dr Oburu Oginga said 2026 will be a crucial year for the party to decide its political direction.
He added that, under the ODM constitution, the party leader is automatically the presidential candidate, meaning he would face President William Ruto in 2027 if the party chooses to run independently.
“And, of course, if we are going it alone, I want to make it absolutely clear that our constitution already has a presidential candidate for our party. And that presidential candidate is clearly stated in the constitution of our party. And it is the party leader. I am the presidential candidate for ODM if ODM decides that it goes it alone,” said Dr Oginga.
The ODM leader also warned that any party member with ambitions to vie for the presidency should look for another platform.
He explained that by the end of 2026, the party will have decided whether to run independently or join a coalition with other parties, and by that time, ODM will also know which partners it will align with in any potential coalition.
Dr Oginga noted that ODM currently remains in a broad-based arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza government, but stressed that the party is not fully integrated into government and is working to strengthen its structures and maintain its independence, while leaving open the possibility of joining President Ruto in a coalition depending on decisions made before the 2027 elections.
“By the end of 2026, our party shall have known whether we are going it alone, or we are going to go into coalition with other parties,” said the party boss.
While wishing Kenyans a happy and prosperous New Year, Dr Oginga reflected on the loss of his brother and former ODM leader, Raila Odinga, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the full implementation of the 10-point agenda agreed between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We are keenly watching the implementation of those sections of the arrangement, all the agreements we had with them. Now, as to whether we shall be successful in the implementation, only God knows,” said the party leader.
He emphasized that despite these uncertainties, ODM remains a strong and united party with deep roots at the grassroots, working to reorganize and strengthen its structures ahead of 2027.
He also urged members to stay focused and committed to the people’s interests as outlined in the party’s agenda, stressing that the party’s resilience will be key in navigating the crucial year ahead.
The Siaya Senator also stressed that ODM was not for sale, dismissing claims suggesting otherwise.
“This party is not on sale… it will never be sold… it is too big to be sold to anybody,” he said, highlighting the party’s deep grassroots support and independence.
Reflecting on the past year, he acknowledged the challenges and losses ODM and the nation faced in 2025, especially the loss of its party leader and statesman, Raila Odinga.
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