NAIROBI, KENYA
ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga has said that 2026 will be a crucial year for the party as it charts its strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, confirming that he is the constitutional presidential candidate if ODM decides to run independently.
Speaking to party members, Oburu emphasized the need for unity within the party, noting that ODM is currently in broad-based arrangements with the Kenya Kwanza administration, but clarified that the party remains independent and not fully integrated with the government.
“My party ODM was left by our party leader in broad-based arrangements with the Kenya Kwanza administration, but we are not fully integrated. We are just in a broad-based arrangement,” Odinga said.
He urged party leaders to focus on the interests of the people, as outlined in the ten-point agenda ODM signed with the government. He dismissed discussions about one-term or two-term limits within the party, stressing that the policy is to work with the government until 2027 as agreed and signed.
“Those who are talking of one term or two terms, that’s not our party policy. The party policy is to work with the government up to 2027 as agreed,” he added.
2026 a Pivotal Year for ODM
Oburu Odinga revealed that this year will determine whether ODM contests the 2027 elections independently or as part of a coalition.
“Before the end of 2026, our party shall have known whether we are going to be it alone or in a coalition with other political parties,” he said.
He made it explicitly clear that if ODM decides to run independently, he is the party’s presidential candidate.
“And of course, if we are going to be alone, I want to make it clearly that our constitution already States a presidential candidate for our party, and that presidential candidate is clearly stated in the constitution of the party and that is the party leader. I am the presidential candidate for ODM if ODM decides to go it alone,” He said.
He added that anyone seeking the presidency in ODM outside the constitutional provisions would be misplaced.
“So if anyone decides to go for presidential election in ODM, they are misplaced. If they want to run for the presidency, they should look for another party,” he emphasized.
ODM Remains Strong and Independent
Oburu Odinga also reinforced the party’s strength and independence, addressing rumours that ODM could be influenced or sold.
“ODM is strong, it’s kicking, and it’s not for sale. I know no one in Kenya can afford ODM because it’s too expensive,” he stated.
The party leader also reiterated that ODM’s unity and focus on public interest remain the guiding principles as it navigates political alliances and preparations for the 2027 elections.
“We are urging our leaders to be united and remain focused on the people’s interests, which are contained in the ten-point agenda we signed and agreed with the government,” Odinga added.
Oburu Odinga’s remarks signal a strategic approach by ODM ahead of the next elections. By confirming his constitutional candidacy, emphasizing party unity, and clarifying coalition options, ODM is positioning itself to maintain influence and cohesion in Kenya’s political arena without its former leader Raila Odinga.
This year, 2026, will therefore be decisive for ODM’s electoral strategy, with key decisions expected before the end of the year.