Orange Democratic Movement party leader Dr Oburu Oginga has assured Deputy President Kithure Kindiki that the party is not eyeing his position.
Dr Oginga said that as a national party, ODM’s priority was to secure a fair share of national opportunities for its members and supporters, not to target specific offices.
He added that the party’s engagement with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would be anchored on equitable negotiations that advance ODM’s interests.
“As we move forward, we are not going to look for less. But deputy president, do not think that we are after your job or want to chase you away. You are our friend, and as we negotiate, we will negotiate for what our people and party deserve,” Dr Oginga said on Monday as Kisumu residents endorsed talks between ODM and President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dr Oginga and President Ruto were speaking during the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business support programme in Kisumu.
“Our party is not a Luo party; it is a party for the whole of Kenya. That is why we will negotiate fairly. We do not want tribalists to lead this country. We will negotiate not to take anyone’s share, but to ensure that everyone gets a fair portion of the national cake,” he added.
The remarks appeared to soften Dr Oginga’s earlier stance last year when he suggested that ODM would not settle for less than the Deputy President’s position in negotiations with UDA. His latest comments also come a day after the party reportedly demanded a 50–50 power-sharing arrangement in a proposed political deal with President Ruto.
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