I will be ODM's presidential candidate in 2027 if we go it alone, says Oburu

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has hinted at a possible presidential run in the 2027 elections, citing the party’s constitution, which designates the party leader as its automatic flag bearer if ODM contests the race alone.He, however, said he could shelve those ambitions if the Party enters a pre-election pact that requires it to back a coalition partner’s candidate.Oburu made the remarks in a New Year’s video message released by the party on Thursday, December 1, where he also addressed growing internal divisions.“I’d like to clarify that our party already has a presidential candidate. Our party constitution says that it is the party leader. I am the party leader and thus the candidate if ODM decides to go it alone,” said Oburu.Follow The Standard
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on WhatsAppHe added, “Anyone hoping to run for president through ODM is misplaced. They should look for another party.”ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga emphasizes that the party will continue working under the broad-based agreement until 2027, calling 2026 a pivotal year for the partypic.twitter.com/x8TAaDV0X1— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya)January 1, 2026ODM has sent mixed signals since joining abroad-based arrangementwith President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), fuelling public disagreements between leaders who support the cooperation and those who oppose it.While Oburu leads the axis aligned with the Ruto administration, a group of mostly younger, outspoken leaders has openly challenged that position, warning that continued association with an unpopular government could weaken the party.According to Oburu, such talks were premature, urging for patience from members untilODM adopts a positionon the presidential race later in the year.“Wantam or tutam is not yet our party policy. Before the end of 2026 we shall have known whether we are going it alone or entering a coalition with other parties, and which ones if any,” he stated.He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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He, however, said he could shelve those ambitions if the Party enters a pre-election pact that requires it to back a coalition partner’s candidate.Oburu made the remarks in a New Year’s video message released by the party on Thursday, December 1, where he also addressed growing internal divisions.“I’d like to clarify that our party already has a presidential candidate. Our party constitution says that it is the party leader. I am the party leader and thus the candidate if ODM decides to go it alone,” said Oburu.Follow The Standard
channel
on WhatsAppHe added, “Anyone hoping to run for president through ODM is misplaced. They should look for another party.”ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga emphasizes that the party will continue working under the broad-based agreement until 2027, calling 2026 a pivotal year for the partypic.twitter.com/x8TAaDV0X1— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya)January 1, 2026ODM has sent mixed signals since joining abroad-based arrangementwith President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), fuelling public disagreements between leaders who support the cooperation and those who oppose it.While Oburu leads the axis aligned with the Ruto administration, a group of mostly younger, outspoken leaders has openly challenged that position, warning that continued association with an unpopular government could weaken the party.According to Oburu, such talks were premature, urging for patience from members untilODM adopts a positionon the presidential race later in the year.“Wantam or tutam is not yet our party policy. Before the end of 2026 we shall have known whether we are going it alone or entering a coalition with other parties, and which ones if any,” he stated.He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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Oburu made the remarks in a New Year’s video message released by the party on Thursday, December 1, where he also addressed growing internal divisions.“I’d like to clarify that our party already has a presidential candidate. Our party constitution says that it is the party leader. I am the party leader and thus the candidate if ODM decides to go it alone,” said Oburu.Follow The Standard
channel
on WhatsAppHe added, “Anyone hoping to run for president through ODM is misplaced. They should look for another party.”ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga emphasizes that the party will continue working under the broad-based agreement until 2027, calling 2026 a pivotal year for the partypic.twitter.com/x8TAaDV0X1— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya)January 1, 2026ODM has sent mixed signals since joining abroad-based arrangementwith President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), fuelling public disagreements between leaders who support the cooperation and those who oppose it.While Oburu leads the axis aligned with the Ruto administration, a group of mostly younger, outspoken leaders has openly challenged that position, warning that continued association with an unpopular government could weaken the party.According to Oburu, such talks were premature, urging for patience from members untilODM adopts a positionon the presidential race later in the year.“Wantam or tutam is not yet our party policy. Before the end of 2026 we shall have known whether we are going it alone or entering a coalition with other parties, and which ones if any,” he stated.He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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“I’d like to clarify that our party already has a presidential candidate. Our party constitution says that it is the party leader. I am the party leader and thus the candidate if ODM decides to go it alone,” said Oburu.Follow The Standard
channel
on WhatsAppHe added, “Anyone hoping to run for president through ODM is misplaced. They should look for another party.”ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga emphasizes that the party will continue working under the broad-based agreement until 2027, calling 2026 a pivotal year for the partypic.twitter.com/x8TAaDV0X1— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya)January 1, 2026ODM has sent mixed signals since joining abroad-based arrangementwith President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), fuelling public disagreements between leaders who support the cooperation and those who oppose it.While Oburu leads the axis aligned with the Ruto administration, a group of mostly younger, outspoken leaders has openly challenged that position, warning that continued association with an unpopular government could weaken the party.According to Oburu, such talks were premature, urging for patience from members untilODM adopts a positionon the presidential race later in the year.“Wantam or tutam is not yet our party policy. Before the end of 2026 we shall have known whether we are going it alone or entering a coalition with other parties, and which ones if any,” he stated.He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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He added, “Anyone hoping to run for president through ODM is misplaced. They should look for another party.”ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga emphasizes that the party will continue working under the broad-based agreement until 2027, calling 2026 a pivotal year for the partypic.twitter.com/x8TAaDV0X1— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya)January 1, 2026ODM has sent mixed signals since joining abroad-based arrangementwith President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), fuelling public disagreements between leaders who support the cooperation and those who oppose it.While Oburu leads the axis aligned with the Ruto administration, a group of mostly younger, outspoken leaders has openly challenged that position, warning that continued association with an unpopular government could weaken the party.According to Oburu, such talks were premature, urging for patience from members untilODM adopts a positionon the presidential race later in the year.“Wantam or tutam is not yet our party policy. Before the end of 2026 we shall have known whether we are going it alone or entering a coalition with other parties, and which ones if any,” he stated.He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga emphasizes that the party will continue working under the broad-based agreement until 2027, calling 2026 a pivotal year for the partypic.twitter.com/x8TAaDV0X1— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya)January 1, 2026

ODM has sent mixed signals since joining abroad-based arrangementwith President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), fuelling public disagreements between leaders who support the cooperation and those who oppose it.While Oburu leads the axis aligned with the Ruto administration, a group of mostly younger, outspoken leaders has openly challenged that position, warning that continued association with an unpopular government could weaken the party.According to Oburu, such talks were premature, urging for patience from members untilODM adopts a positionon the presidential race later in the year.“Wantam or tutam is not yet our party policy. Before the end of 2026 we shall have known whether we are going it alone or entering a coalition with other parties, and which ones if any,” he stated.He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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While Oburu leads the axis aligned with the Ruto administration, a group of mostly younger, outspoken leaders has openly challenged that position, warning that continued association with an unpopular government could weaken the party.According to Oburu, such talks were premature, urging for patience from members untilODM adopts a positionon the presidential race later in the year.“Wantam or tutam is not yet our party policy. Before the end of 2026 we shall have known whether we are going it alone or entering a coalition with other parties, and which ones if any,” he stated.He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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According to Oburu, such talks were premature, urging for patience from members untilODM adopts a positionon the presidential race later in the year.“Wantam or tutam is not yet our party policy. Before the end of 2026 we shall have known whether we are going it alone or entering a coalition with other parties, and which ones if any,” he stated.He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
channel
on WhatsApp

“Wantam or tutam is not yet our party policy. Before the end of 2026 we shall have known whether we are going it alone or entering a coalition with other parties, and which ones if any,” he stated.He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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He also criticised what he termed “daydreamers” within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, rejecting claims that ODM had been sold to a mysterious buyer.“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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“Theparty is not for sale,” adding that it would be far too expensive for any potential buyer.Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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Despite internal tensions, ODM intends to stick with President Ruto heading into the next election, even as opposition groups court the party for a possible alliance to unseat him.On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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On Tuesday, December 30, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the United Opposition would announce its presidential candidate before April, selecting from a pool of nominees put forward by its member parties.At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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At the same time, Oburu urged unity within ODM and called on leaders elected on the Party’s ticket to remain focused on advancing a citizen-centred agenda.Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletterBy clicking on theSIGN UPbutton, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand thePrivacy PolicySIGN UPStay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Follow The Standard
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