ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has reaffirmed his resolve to
steer the party forward, saying he has faithfully carried the mantle of
leadership entrusted to him after the death of Raila Odinga.
Speaking during the funeral of Journalist Festus Amimo,
Oburu said the responsibility handed to him by the people had not broken his
spirit, but instead strengthened his commitment to keep the party united and
focused on its future.
“When Raila died, our people left me with the mantle of
being the party leader of ODM. That responsibility has not defeated me. I am
holding that mantle firmly,” he said.
He noted that his ability to lead effectively depends on the
collective support of party members, urging them to stand together and work as
one.
According to him, ODM remains the political vehicle that
will carry its supporters toward the realisation of their aspirations.
“ODM is our ship. It is the vessel we will use to cross to
Canaan. But I can only move forward if you give me your hands and your
support,” he said.
The party leader also extended an olive branch to members
who had previously fallen out with the party, calling on them to return home
and help strengthen ODM.
“To those who rebelled, even if you were agitated or walked
away, I ask you to come back. Let us sit together, speak in one voice and move
forward as a united force,” he said.
He further defended ODM’s participation in the broad-based
government, saying the party had a responsibility to be part of the formation
of the next government to negotiate and secure better outcomes for its
supporters.
“In the coming government, we must be part of the government
formation so that we can bargain for more for our people,” he said.
Oburu emphasized that ODM does not belong to a single
community or group, describing it as a national party that draws support from
across the country.
“ODM is not ours alone. It is a party for all people, from
every community. Let us join hands, remain together, grow stronger and move
forward as one with other communities,” he said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi who attended the funeral
said the party must rally behind the President in the coming elections saying
no one in the Orange Party can marshal the required resources and support for a
presidential run.
The CS called out some individuals he claimed are out to
bring confusion in the party by pushing for a 2027 run against President
William Ruto.
"Currently, there is no one prepared with adequate
resources to stage a presidential run, I will not be party to such,"
Wandayi said.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga in apparent reference
to backing Ruto's support, cautioned that the outfit risks losing if it leaves
what is in its hand.
The Homa Bay governor also warned against encroachment by
other broad-based parties in backyard of affiliate parties.
"We are in broad-based government as ODM and amongst
our agreements is that there is no encroachment," Wanga said.
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga/FILE
