Oburu warns outsiders against meddling in ODM-UDA talks as focus shifts to 2027

Oburu warns outsiders against meddling in ODM-UDA talks as focus shifts to 2027

Oburu Oginga maintained that the negotiations were serious political engagements that should not be turned into public spectacles.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has warned non-members against interfering in the party’s negotiations with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), insisting ODM has the structures and experienced leadership to steer the talks.

In a statement dated October 29, Oburu expressed concern over attempts by individuals, including non-ODM members, to influence how the party should negotiate with UDA, particularly on whether the talks should culminate in a written agreement.

“Let me be unequivocal: ODM is an established political institution with legitimate structures, clear objectives and an experienced leadership capable of conducting negotiations in the Party's and Kenyans' best interests,” he said.

Oburu said the attempts had been observed during his temporary absence from active political engagement.

“During my temporary absence from active political engagement, I have observed with concern attempts by certain individuals, including some non-ODM members, to exploit the situation by prescribing how our Party should negotiate with UDA, including whether or not such negotiations should culminate in a written agreement,” he said.

He maintained that the negotiations were serious political engagements that should not be turned into public spectacles.

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“These negotiations are serious political engagements, not public spectacles to be conducted in the glare of television cameras,” he said.

He further said that the full implementation of the 10-point agenda remained a fundamental condition of ODM’s engagement with UDA, describing it as non-negotiable.

“Full implementation of the 10-point agenda, among other pressing national priorities, remains a fundamental, non-negotiable pillar of our engagement with UDA. Our commitment to this agenda is absolute,” he said.

The ODM leader urged those outside the party to focus on the challenges facing the country instead of attempting to influence its political decisions.

“I advise those outside ODM to concentrate on the many pressing challenges confronting our country and spare us their unsolicited counsel,” he said.

He added that individuals or parties seeking political alliances, mergers or coalitions should confine their choices to their own political formations.

Oburu also thanked Kenyans, ODM members, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support during his recovery, assuring them that he was making steady progress.

He concluded by reaffirming his confidence in the party’s direction, declaring: “ODM knows where it is going, what it wants and how to get there.”