ODM Heavyweight Hits Back at Oburu After Surrendering DP Slot Before Ruto Talk

A senior member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and a champion of the broad-based government has fired back at ODM party leader Dr Oburu Odinga.

In a statement dated Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch criticised sentiments made by the party leader in the presence of President William Ruto on Monday, February 2, 2026.

During the remarks, Dr Oburu told Deputy President Kithure Kindiki that ODM was not interested in the Deputy President’s position as it forges an alliance with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Migori Senator Fires Back at ODM Party Leader Over His Remarks

The Migori senator stated that he had distanced himself from Dr Oburu’s sentiments.

“Party leader, what you said, we are not in agreement with it,” Oketch said.

Oketch argued that the ODM leader cannot negotiate an entire party out of power. He referred to the late Homa Bay Senator and close ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Otieno Kajwang, who famously said, “Consultation must lead to concurrence,” urging the party leadership to consult members before making such pronouncements.

The Migori senator’s response comes after Dr Oburu declared that ODM is not interested in the Deputy President’s position in its current negotiations with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Also Read: Winnie Odinga Hints at Oburu Oginga Leaving ODM Party Leader Position

Speaking in Kisumu, Dr Oburu directly addressed Deputy President Kindiki, stating, “Mr Deputy President, do not think we want your seat and chase you. You are our friend.”

He stressed that ODM’s talks with President William Ruto are driven by national interest and the need to secure a “fair share” of development and government representation, rather than pursuing top executive offices.

Oburu Says ODM is Not Interested in DP Position

Dr. Oburu reiterated that ODM remains committed to the current broad-based cooperation to ensure political stability following the passing of former party leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.

His comments come amid reports that other party officials, including Chairperson Gladys Wanga, have pushed for a 50–50 power-sharing arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.

In November 2025, legislators led by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, who is also the Chairperson of the Meru Caucus, and Tigania West MP John Mutunga, made their position clear, stating that their support for President Ruto’s second term is anchored on Kindiki remaining as Deputy President. Rindikiri warned, “In 2027, without Kithure Kindiki, kitaeleweka (there will be consequences). We are not begging.”

Also Read: Ruto Ally Issues Warning to Winnie Odinga as ODM Rift Widens

They argued that the Deputy Presidency now “belongs” to Mount Kenya East and should not be used as a bargaining chip in coalition negotiations with ODM.

Dr Oburu’s latest sentiments mark a departure from his stance in late 2025, when he suggested that ODM would not settle for anything less than the Deputy President’s slot in a power-sharing deal.

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President William Ruto consults with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga during the ODM’S Founders Dinner in Mombasa. PHOTO/ODM.