ODM Leaders Defend Party Leadership, Clarify Oburu Oginga’s Whereabouts
Politics Updated: 08 May 2026 16:06 EAT
ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale confirms Party Leader Sen Oburu Oginga is okay
ODM leaders have moved to calm public speculation over the whereabouts of party leader Senator Oburu Oginga, insisting he is in good health and continuing with his political duties. OEM spokesperson Phillip Etale opened the speech to confirm his whereabouts;
“We have been invited by some of the local dailies questioning where our party leader is. With permission from my party leader, Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, I want to assure you the party leader is very okay.”
Party officials said the senator remains active and will be seen at upcoming public engagements despite recent absence from some political events.
“He is fine and when people start questioning about the whereabouts of somebody, that tells you how important that person is, isn’t it? So we take pride in that. We are very happy that our party leader continues to attract news.”
Leaders added that Oburu Oginga is expected to appear at a public event in his family’s historical academic institution, reinforcing that he is carrying out normal duties.
“Tomorrow we’ll be seeing him somewhere in the alma mater of his late father speaking and raring.”
The ODM communication team also dismissed past political criticism directed at party leadership, accusing opponents of inconsistency in their messaging.
“Si juzi walikuwa wanaita party leader wetu mediocre si wamejitangaza huko wamesema hao ndio party leader na mbona saa hii wanaulizia party leader wetu?”
At the same time, ODM leaders strongly condemned what they described as personal attacks on senior party figures across the political spectrum.
“The constant attacks on the person of someone of national chairperson Madam Gladys Wanga must stop forthwith.”
They also criticized remarks targeting other party leaders, warning against tribal or personal political attacks.
“The constant attack by tribalists like Rigathi Gachagua on the person of Junet Mohamed or Simba Arati, they must stop.”
Youth leaders within ODM emphasized their role in strengthening the party’s grassroots mobilisation across the country.
“Sisi kama wanachama tumeanza kwa sababu sisi kama vijana ndio kitovu cha chama ndio uti wa mgongo wa chama tumeanzia Nairobi.”
They added that they intend to expand their political mobilisation nationwide in support of the party’s agenda.
“And we will traverse the entire country with the message of strengthening the party of ODM.”
Youth representatives McCoure Kasmuel also expressed confidence in ODM’s 2027 political ambitions, saying the party is prepared for power negotiations or governance.
“But Sasha, sisi tunasema we have to take charge in 2027. We will either form the government or be in the coalition that will form the government. ODM tuko tayari.”
Some leaders also addressed opposition dynamics, rejecting calls for negotiations with rival political formations.
“Negotiations with the animal—the political animal that is calling itself the United Opposition—kama wanataka wakuje hao ndio wanegotiate na sisi hatuendi huko na hatuogopi kusema.”
They further cautioned rival politicians against using the name of the party’s former leader in political rallies.
“Waache kutumia jina ya Baba kwa rali zao. Wawache kutumia the past, wanataka kuleta kwa present. Sisi tuko kwa the present.”
Leaders referenced the legacy of the late party founder, emphasizing loyalty to his political vision.
“Na tumejua wenye walikuwa wanataka Baba akiwa hai.”
A youth leader identifying herself as chairperson of the Young Captains in ODM also paid tribute to the party’s founding legacy.
“I am Alonya Rosl, the chairperson of the Young Captains in ODM party. If Baba was alive, tungesimama na yeye.”
She added that despite his passing, the party must remain united under his legacy.
“Baba is not there right now physically, but ako mahali anatuangalia tushikilie chama yake.”
Youth leaders also highlighted the importance of generational continuity in party leadership.
“We have the millennials and the Gen Zs. Tuko na miaka zingine 30 za kuishi.”
They stressed the need to preserve the party for future generations.
“Wacha tutunze chama cha Baba.”
At Chungwa House, ODM officials issued a warning to elected leaders under the party ticket against undermining the party.
“I am standing here today at Chungwa House to send out a strong warning to all MPs, to senators, to all governors elected on this party ticket.”
They said any dissatisfied leaders should consider leaving the party and seeking fresh mandates elsewhere.
“Kama unafeel chama ni kibaya... kama unafeel chama haina utamu ule ambao ulikuwa nayo... we are humbly requesting that you resign, go, and seek a fresh mandate.”
ODM leadership concluded by reaffirming discipline within the party and warning against internal criticism from elected officials.
“We will not allow—sisi tunafanya the donkey work to protect the party and we have people who are flag bearers of this party as MPs, MCAs, governors, and even senators ambao wamekatia kwa chama hawataki kutoka waende lakini wanatukana chama, wanadhalilisha chama. This is a strong warning.”
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FELIX MAKONA
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