Oburu Escalates Row With Gachagua Over ODM ‘Bought’ Claims
Politics Updated: 20 April 2026 21:29 EAT
ODM Leader Oburu Oginga and DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua look to be in a political standstill and exchange of words
Orange Democratic Party Leader who is the then Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has escalated his standoff with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, threatening court action after allegations that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had been compromised by the government.
The dispute follows claims attributed to Gachagua that ODM leaders had received financial inducements from President William Samoei Ruto, accusations that have stirred political tensions within Kenya’s shifting alliances.
Speaking during a youth engagement forum in Nairobi, Oburu firmly rejected the claims and used the platform to rally party unity while addressing internal and external criticism facing ODM.
He opened by appealing to young supporters to consolidate the party’s base, stating, “We have come here to urge you that we want our party to be united so that we can move forward together.”
The senator underscored that internal cohesion was central to ODM’s future, noting that indiscipline and conflicting public positions risk weakening the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
“In our ODM party, we do not expel anyone,” he said, adding, “We don’t expel anyone from the party,” even as he acknowledged growing calls from members for stronger internal discipline mechanisms.
Referencing feedback from party youth, Oburu pointed out that discipline had emerged as a top concern, stating, “Your number one agenda item was discipline; it was discipline, and I support you.”
He warned against disorder within party ranks, emphasizing that divergent messaging could undermine strategic direction. “A party cannot have chaos and nonsense where everyone says their own thing over there, and the party says another thing over here,” he said.
Oburu further stressed that democracy within the party must be structured, asserting, “Democracy does not mean chaos. Democracy means order; there must be order for democracy.”
The ODM deputy leader framed the party’s long-term objective as gaining power, arguing that remaining in opposition limits the ability to implement development agendas.
“As a party, our intention is to take power,” he said, adding that no political formation is created with the aim of staying in opposition indefinitely.
He explained that governance is essential for delivering tangible benefits to citizens, including infrastructure, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“You cannot build roads… you cannot bring good health… you cannot bring a better life to the citizens if you do not have power,” he told the gathering.
Oburu acknowledged ODM’s historical role in holding government accountable, noting that the party had spent years “pushing” for reforms and justice from the opposition benches.
However, he signaled a strategic shift, declaring that ODM is now positioning itself to win power in the next general election cycle.
“When we reach next year, 2027, our party must be in power… it will be in power either alone or with other parties,” he said.
He also announced the opening of a party nomination portal for aspirants seeking various elective positions, including parliamentary, county, and presidential seats.
“We have decided to open a portal for all those who want to contest… they should start applying through the portal immediately,” he stated.
On internal democracy, Oburu pledged credible nomination processes, assuring supporters that “there are free and fair nominations in our party.”
He emphasized youth inclusion, promising greater participation in party affairs and electoral processes, including grassroots mobilization.
“I’m urging you young people… we must be involved in the registration of voters,” he said, stressing the importance of building a strong voter base.
Oburu noted that the party’s bargaining power in any political negotiations depends on its numerical strength, particularly in membership and voter turnout.
“Our party can only negotiate at the table when it is strong… and it can only be strong if it has more members,” he told the audience.
Turning to the controversy sparked by Gachagua’s remarks, Oburu directly addressed the allegations, stating, “There is one of them who said Oburu has been bought. I will take him to court.”
He demanded accountability, insisting that the accuser must provide evidence. “He can say there for how much money Oburu was bought,” he added.
Oburu categorically denied any financial inducement, declaring, “I cannot be bought, and this party of ours, ODM, cannot be swallowed.”
He further asserted the party’s resilience against external influence, warning critics that ODM remains a dominant political force.
“This party of ours, ODM, cannot be swallowed… it is too big to be swallowed,” he said, reinforcing his message of institutional strength.
The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and scrutiny over ODM’s engagement with the ruling administration, with both allies and critics closely watching the party’s next moves.
The threatened legal action now sets the stage for a possible courtroom battle that could compel public disclosure of evidence behind the bribery claims, potentially reshaping the narrative around ODM’s relationship with the government.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD