In a move that has sent political shockwaves across the country, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has publicly and forcefully declared himself the party’s sole presidential candidate—but only under one explosive condition.
Speaking firmly on the party’s future, Oburu stated that 2026 will be the year ODM makes “serious decisions” regarding the 2027 General Election, and he confirmed his presidential ambition should the party choose to go to the polls alone.
“I am the Presidential candidate for ODM if the party decides to go it alone,” Oburu asserted. “Anybody who is preparing to go for the presidential election in ODM is misplaced. If they want to go for presidential candidacy, they should look for another party.”
The declaration, shared across news platforms and social media, is being interpreted as a direct consolidation of Odinga family influence within the Orange Democratic Movement. Political analysts are calling it a “calculated maneuver” aimed at clearing the field of internal competitors and reasserting the Odinga family’s symbolic ownership of the party.
Sources within political circles suggest the statement is a not-so-veiled warning to other high-profile ODM figures—including Governor Gladys Wanga—who have been speculated as potential running mates to President William Ruto in a future coalition.
“Oburu’s claim is a clear shot at Gladys Wanga’s ambitions,” one insider noted. “He’s staking his claim as the Odinga family’s candidate. If Ruto wants ODM’s support, Oburu is the only option on the table. The Odingas won’t surrender what they see as their birthright.”
The announcement sets the stage for a high-stakes political year in 2026, with ODM expected to make critical decisions regarding coalitions and candidacy. Should the party opt against forming alliances, Oburu Odinga will be its standard-bearer—a scenario that could dramatically reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
For now, one message has been sent loud and clear: in ODM, when it comes to the presidency, the Odingas are not stepping aside for anyone.
