Homa Bay, July 2026 -Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr Oburu Oginga has announced that the 20-year-old party will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, and will instead rally behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Speaking during a fundraiser at Chinga Mixed Secondary School in Homa Bay County in aid of St. Pascal’s Sub-Parish, Chiga, Oburu said ODM would support Ruto as negotiations on a pre-election pact continue.
“Ruto is a cut above the rest of his competitors. He has shown exemplary leadership and initiated several development projects across the country,” he said.
Oburu added that the party would approach the pact in a structured manner to ensure its interests are clearly understood and secured.
“We are not passive participants. We are core principals in this partnership, and we will continue to ensure that our people’s interests, development agenda, and voice are given top priority at the national table,” he said.
Oburu urged residents to register in large numbers to elect their leaders, and thanked them for their support and solidarity.
“Your partnership underscores the strength of collective leadership,” he said.
He also reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the economic development of the Nyanza region, saying true transformation requires a shared vision and unity of purpose.
“It is only through solidarity that we can build robust foundations for sustainable growth, create opportunities for our youth, and uplift our households,” he said.
Oburu’s remarks are likely to heighten tensions within ODM with Siaya Governor James Orengo who has been positioning himself for the party’s presidential endorsement in 2027, and has also laid claim to the de facto party leadership.
The announcement comes days after ODM replaced Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General, a move that has exposed deeper divisions in the party following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.
The event was attended by Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo, Health PS Dr. Edward Oluga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, and former Rarieda MP Eng. Nicholas Gumbo.
Oburu urged ODM supporters to remain united and focused on “the bigger picture” ahead of 2027.
