Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga said he will step aside from his position if it causes divisions within the Luo community.
Speaking on Sunday during an ODM rally at Kirembe Grounds in Kisumu County, Oburu said he will not cling to leadership if it creates separation in the region. He added that unity remains his main priority.
“I do not like anything that separates our region. If it is I who is going to separate our region, I am willing to leave the position. I am prepared to do that,” he said.
Oburu also urged ODM supporters to stay united and avoid internal wrangles that could weaken the party’s influence.
He explained that he did not pursue the ODM leadership role, arguing that party processes elevated him after the death of former party leader Raila Odinga.
“I did not know at any point that I could be the ODM party leader, but they are the ones who saw that I was fit for the position,” he said, adding that senior ODM leaders supported his nomination through the party’s structures.
Oburu Oginga revealed that Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir championed his rise within the party.
“It was Simba Arati and Abdulswamad who backed me and proposed my name. At no point did I imagine that I would become the ODM party leader, but they believed I was fit to take up the position.”
He urged ambitious leaders to stay patient and respect internal party processes for a smooth succession.
“To those who may be unhappy with my elevation, I urge them to be patient. Leadership opportunities come at different times, and their moment will also come,” he said.
Oburu pledged to safeguard ODM’s legacy, calling it the fruit of a long, hard-fought struggle. He also cautioned members against undermining the movement that Raila Odinga built.
“If you make this party fall, the spirit of Raila Odinga, who formed this party, may haunt you,” he said.
Additionally, Oburu backed ODM’s decision to join the broad-based government, arguing that the move unlocked vital opportunities for the region and deserved full support as a strategic political step.
Turning his focus to the 2027 General Election, Oburu voiced strong confidence that ODM would sweep to power on its own terms.
“I want to tell people that moving forward in the next government, we will not enter through the window like in this one. We want to enter through the door in the next election, and after entering, we will have an agreement in our own government that we have formed,” he said.
