Oburu Breaks Silence on ODM-UDA Talks, Issues Warning

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has broken his silence on the ongoing negotiations between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), warning individuals outside the party against interfering in its discussions with the ruling party.

In a statement on Thursday, October 29, Oburu thanked Kenyans, ODM members and other supporters for standing with him during his absence from active political engagements. 

"I wish to express my profound gratitude to Kenyans, the ODM fraternity, friends and well wishers for their prayers, goodwill and unwavering support during my recovery," the statement read.

The ODM leader said he was making steady progress towards full recovery but expressed concern over what he described as attempts to exploit his temporary absence to dictate how the party should conduct its negotiations with UDA.

"I assure you that I am making steady progress and remain firmly on the path to full recovery. 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," the statement added.

Oburu maintained that ODM had established structures and experienced leadership capable of determining the party’s negotiating position without external interference. 

He insisted that decisions on the talks would be guided by the interests of the party and Kenyans.

"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," the statement further read.

Oburu further defended ODM’s role in national politics, saying the party had made sacrifices for the country’s progress and stability. 

He cautioned against turning the negotiations into public spectacles, suggesting that such engagements required a serious approach rather than public pressure.

"We've made our contribution, made sacrifices and will continue to do so for sake of progress and stability of our nation. These negotiations are serious political engagements, not public spectacles to be conducted in the glare of television cameras," the statement noted.

The ODM leader also reaffirmed the party’s position on the implementation of the 10-point agenda, identifying it as a central condition in its engagement with UDA. He said the party would not compromise on the agenda as discussions continued.

"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," the statement read.

Oburu concluded by urging individuals who were not members of ODM to focus on the country’s challenges instead of offering unsolicited advice on how the party should handle its negotiations with UDA.

"I advise those outside ODM to concentrate on the many pressing challenges confronting our country and spare us their unsolicited counsel," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has warned Raila Junior and Winnie Odinga against contesting for elective seats under parties linked to President William Ruto. 

Speaking on Wednesday, October 28, Gachagua said Raila Junior had a chance of winning a seat in Nairobi but would lose if he ran on a ticket associated with Ruto.

"I have seen the son of late Raila Odinga, Raila Junior, wants to contest in Nairobi, and he stands a good chance. But I can tell you as sure as December 25 is Christmas, if he comes under William Ruto, he will not get that seat," he said. 

Gachagua also said Winnie could win if she contested under DCP, Linda Mwananchi or Wiper. 

"Winnie stands a chance if she comes under DCP, Linda Mwananchi or Wiper. If she comes under Ruto and Oburu, she will go nowhere," he added.