KISUMU, May 25th –Siaya County Senator Dr Oburu Oginga has officially announced his intention to defend his seat in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This move has already ignited mixed reactions among Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members and aspirants.
Speaking on Monday at an ODM aspirants’ forum in Kisumu, Oburu stated: “I am speaking to you here today as a fellow aspirant because I am going to defend my seat as Siaya County Senator come next year”.
The ODM party leader, however, sought to reassure attendees that the party is putting in place stringent measures to ensure a free, fair, and credible nomination process.
He vowed not to compromise the exercise in favour of any candidate.
“As the ODM party leader, I want to assure you here that I will not be compromised to manipulate the nomination exercise in any favour of any candidate,” Oburu reiterated.
He further warned members to be wary of aspirants flaunting large sums of money, cautioning that buying support often leads to the election of unworthy leaders.
In a blunt remark, Oburu added, “If you buy me lunch or give me money for fuel, I will take it, but don’t be deluded that you’ve bought my support.”
Despite his assurances, Oburu’s declaration has raised serious concerns with some party members and aspirants argue that his decision to seek re-election while serving as the party leader presents a clear conflict of interest.
One aspirant from Siaya county, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Oburu’s intention to defend his seat is scary and intimidating to other aspirants in Siaya.”
There are growing fears that Oburu, as the party leader, may not be subjected to the same rigorous party primaries as other candidates, thereby giving him an unfair advantage.
Critics warn that this situation could undermine the mandate of the ODM National Elections Board, whose role is to oversee free, fair, and credible nominations across all contested seats.
If the elections board is perceived as unable to hold the party leader accountable, the credibility of the entire ODM nomination process in Siaya and beyond could be jeopardised, setting a worrying precedent for internal democracy.
