Deputy President Seat or Nothing, ODM MPs Insist
Politics Updated: 20 January 2026 11:55 EAT
Ikolomani Member of Parliament, Hon. Bernard Shinali
A section of Orange Democratic Movement legislators has cautioned party strategist Oburu Odinga against negotiating for any political deal that falls short of the Deputy President position.
The MPs said ODM must assert its political strength and numerical value in any future coalition talks, warning against what they termed undercutting the party’s bargaining power.
Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali told a delegates’ meeting that ODM leaders should aim high when engaging potential partners. He said, “We should not sell ourselves short when we go to the negotiating table.”
Shinali added that the party’s national support base entitled it to a senior executive role, insisting, “Anything below the Deputy Presidency does not reflect our strength.”
The remarks were made during a meeting marked by visible internal tensions, with rival ODM factions holding parallel gatherings in the region.
Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, however, sought to downplay the differences, describing claims of deep division as exaggerated. He said, “Some of these statements are propaganda meant to weaken the party.”
Khamala maintained that ODM remains focused on unity and broader coalition-building rather than internal rivalry.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera urged party leaders to prioritise grassroots mobilisation, warning that open infighting could demoralise supporters.
Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka echoed the concern, saying leadership wrangles were “distracting the party from its core mission.”
Responding to the pressure, Oburu Odinga emphasised the importance of numbers in politics, telling delegates, “If we have numbers, we will have bargaining power.”
Oburu said ODM’s immediate focus was strengthening its base, noting that strong membership would determine the party’s leverage in any high-level negotiations.
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FELIX MAKONA
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