ODM Leader Oburu Oginga Announces 2027 Presidential Bid, Affirms Alliance with Kenya Kwanza Until Polls

In a significant declaration shaping the early landscape for Kenya’s 2027 General Election, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has publicly announced his intention to be the party’s presidential candidate if it decides to contest the top office independently.

Addressing the nation on Wednesday, Oginga clarified the party’s strategic direction. He confirmed that ODM will honour its existing “broad-based arrangement” with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government until 2027, a commitment initially made by his late brother, Raila Odinga.

This affirms a continued political ceasefire despite the looming electoral cycle.

However, Oginga highlighted that 2026 is a critical decision-making year for ODM. The party must determine whether to field its own presidential candidate or form a coalition with other political entities.

“Before the end of the year, our party will have known whether we’re going it alone or going into a collision with other parties and we shall have by that time known whom we’re going with.,” he stated, emphasising that all necessary arrangements will be finalised by the end of 2026.

Constitutional Mandate and Warning to Aspirants

Invoking the ODM constitution, Oginga firmly stated that the party leader is the designated presidential candidate.

He positioned himself as the natural flagbearer, issuing a direct warning to other potential aspirants within ODM.

“If we’re going it alone, I want to make it clear… I am the presidential candidate for ODM,” he asserted. “Anybody who is preparing himself to go for presidential elections in ODM, I think is misplaced. If they want to go for the presidency, they should look for another party.”