Oburu: I will be ODM's presidential candidate in 2027

By Newsflash Writer

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has announced that he intends to run for president in the 2027 General Election, asserting that he will carry the party’s flag if ODM opts to field its own candidate.

Speaking to Kenyans on Wednesday, December 31, Dr Oburu said ODM will continue participating in the broad-based political arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza administration up to 2027, in line with an agreement reached by his late brother, Raila Odinga.

2026 seen as a decisive year

However, he clarified that the final decision on whether the party will contest the election independently or form a coalition with other political outfits will be reached this year.

“2026 is a critical year for our party because all issues must be resolved ahead of 2027. By the end of 2026, we shall have clearly determined and completed all preparations for the next election,” he said.

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“Before the year ends, our party will know whether we are going it alone or entering into a coalition with other parties, and by then we shall also know exactly whom we are going with.”

According to Oburu, the ODM constitution clearly states that the party leader is the rightful presidential candidate, meaning he would automatically become the flag bearer should ODM decide to pursue the presidency on its own.

Party unity and leadership clarity

“If we choose to go it alone, I want to be clear that our Constitution identifies the presidential candidate for the party, and that is the party leader. I am therefore the ODM presidential candidate if the party decides to go solo,” he said.

“Anyone preparing to contest the presidency within ODM, in my view, is misguided. If they want to vie for the presidency, they should seek another party.”

The ODM leader further emphasized that political slogans such as “one-term” (wantam) and “two-term” (tutam) should be abandoned as the party focuses on consolidating its strength ahead of the 2027 polls.

He added that the party will put in place all necessary measures to preserve unity and cohesion.

“We are calling on our members to remain united, focused and firm in advancing the interests of the people,” Oburu said.

“Those talking about one-term or two-term agendas are not advancing party policy. Our position is to work in unity, strengthen ODM, and remain in this broad-based arrangement until 2027.”