ODM big guns tell off critics, insist party will abandon Ruto-Raila deal

Top ODM figures have dismissed internal voices asking party to disengage from President William Ruto’s broad-based government.

Led by acting party leader Oburu Oginga dismissed the voices as “day dreamers” who are out of touch with the political reality.

Oburu said ODM’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration is strategic and irreversible.

He said that the partnership positions the Orange party to influence national development and protect its supporters’ interests from within government.

 “We are the founders of broad-based government which was formed to save the government which was on the edge. If we work well together, we will consider going with them into the 2027 elections,” Oburu said.

“What we will not allow is to take pour people back to the opposition. That will not happen.”

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko said the party will face those trying to drive a wedge between ODM and Ruto head-on.

 “I saw one of us in the leadership of the party pushing for disengagement, what we will not do is inherit political rivals of Raila, we will only inherit Raila’s friends,” Ochilo said.

Their remarks come amid growing rifts within the party, with some youthful leaders accusing the leadership of abandoning opposition ideals.

However, the ODM hierarchy insists the new path is pragmatic and in keeping with Raila’s vision of inclusive governance.

ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga told those pushing for disengagement with Ruto’s administration saying the party will not make that mistake.

She said ODM will not go back to the opposition as it is being pushed by some quarters.

“We will remain united, we will shelve any ambitions we have and put forward the unity of our people and our party. We will remain in support of the administration of President William Ruto because that is what we agreed with Raila,” Wanga said.

“Come 2027 we will either form the government or be part of the coalition that will form the next government.”

Minority Leader Junet Mohammed told those against ODM working with UDA that they are in for a rude shock.

“Those who think ODM will walk away from broad-based are daydreamers,” he said.

“Some of us we worked closely with Raila and he was very clear that his party must remain in broad-based government so as to help the people of Kenya, we cannot experiment with the party.”

The Homa Bay event was also attended by Ayacko, MPs Opondo Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Fatum Mohammed (Migori), Lilian Gogo (Rangwe), Joyce Osodo (Homa Bay), Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), Peter Masara (Suna West) and Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili.

Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma said the party must maintains its working arrangement with Ruto in line with Raila’s last wishes.

“We sat with Raila last during our Duol meeting at Nyikal’s home, he (Raila) told us to be united as a community and we must remain in ODM. Raila also showed us the way, he didn't leave us in the cold but in broad-based government,” he said.

Duol is an informal meeting bringing together all elected leaders from Luo community to deliberate on issues affecting the community.

Awendo MP Walter Owino urged members to guard against any push to divide the party post-Raila.

“Let us not divide our party, we must rally behind the new party leader to strengthen ODM,” he said.

“We the Luo nation were taught and coached by Raila that we are fighting power to bring resources to develop our people and that is why he brought us to the broad-based government. We will be the last people to leave this government,” Suna West MP Peter Masara said.

Power of Jesus Around the World head Archbishop Ogonyo Ngede also warned the community against abandoning the deal Raila inked with Ruto.

“Raila left us in broad-based, let us not tray to walk away from that arrangement,” he said.

The ODM stalwarts threw their weight behind Senator Oburu, saying his experience, loyalty, and family legacy made him best suited person to steer the party through transition.

The Orange Party started a series of rallies to honour the life and legacy of Raila.

The events are being used to rally supporters ahead of the ODM@20 celebrations set for later this month.

The rallies, which started in Homa Bay will be moving to other ODM strongholds ahead of the Mombasa jamboree.

The delegation is in Migori today for the second round of public engagements.

The rallies seek to honour Raila’s legacy while rejuvenating the party’s grassroots structures.

ODM is also expected to use the rallies to outline its new political strategy, consolidate its base and reaffirm its position as a major player in the 2027 political race.

The activities will double up as a platform to prepare for upcoming by-elections and to drum up support for ODM candidates.

The Star has established that the ODM team will be in Ugunja constituency to campaign for its candidate ahead of the November 27 by-elections.

ODM has Moses Omondi as the party’s candidate in the seat that was held by now Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

ODM has started regional engagement forums to not only celebrate their party leader but also strengthen the outfit across the country.