Acting ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed
assertions that Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi represent the
official position of the Orange Democratic Movement on national political
matters.
Speaking on Sunday, Oburu said the two leaders, who are
currently serving in government roles, should not be mistaken for spokespersons
of the party.
“Those of us who are in government like John Mbadi and Opiyo
Wandayi, those ones are part of the administration. They are not speaking for
our party, the president is their boss,” Oburu said.
He added that by accepting positions in government, the two
leaders effectively aligned themselves with the Kenya Kwanza administration and
ceased to speak on behalf of ODM.
“They had to resign their positions to join government,” he
noted.
Oburu insisted that ODM’s position on national politics is
intact and well defined, despite claims by some members that the party lacks
clarity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“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.
He clarified that the party remains committed to the current
bipartisan arrangement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), adding
that their engagement is based on a shared 10-point agenda.
“But for now, we are staying in this broad-based arrangement
which we have 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,” Oburu emphasized.
His remarks come amid ongoing speculation over ODM’s future following
the death of its leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and internal
divisions triggered by differing public statements from party leaders.
Oburu who spoke on NTV also defended Nairobi Senator Edwin
Sifuna saying that he speaks the true position of the ODM party.
The acting ODM leader further dismissed calls to have him
removed as secretary general of the party by a section of leaders who disagree
with his stance on certain issues.
“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 said
on NTV.
He emphasised that Sifuna’s public statements reflect the
official stance of ODM and should not be misinterpreted as personal opinions or
dissent.
Oburu noted that Sifuna has been committed to the party’s
goals and has executed his duties diligently.
“I don’t think this is the time to talk about ouster of any
member,” he said.
“This is the time to unite the party, and we need all
members including Sifuna. In my view, he is doing a good job.”
