Oburu defends dictatorship remarks, says he meant visionary leadership

Beyond the women's empowerment programme, the gathering quickly took a political turn, with ODM leaders outlining the party's roadmap ahead of the next General Election.

The Orange Democratic Movement says it is preparing to constitute a team that will represent the party in anticipated negotiations with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition before the next polls.

The party also maintained that it already has its preferred presidential candidate and urged supporters to back leaders aligned with the Broad-Based Government.

"We are planning and soon we will come up with a strong team to negotiate with UDA," said ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga.

Oburu also used the forum to clarify remarks he recently made at State House, saying his comments had been misunderstood.

He said his reference to a "benevolent dictatorship" was not an endorsement of authoritarian rule, but rather a description of selfless and visionary leadership focused on delivering for citizens.

"At independence, Singapore and Kenya were at the same level, and their leader had to push them a little bit, which is called benevolence. If those people do not understand English, I will teach them," said Dr. Oburu Oginga.

Other ODM leaders who accompanied Oburu dismissed the emerging opposition alliance, insisting the Broad-Based Government remains the strongest political vehicle heading into the next General Election.

"Those on the other side are free to do as they wish. People should wear their jerseys because the game lasts 90 minutes. Let them begin the contest at 8 a.m.," said ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga.

"We stand firmly behind the Broad-Based Government under Dr. Oburu and President William Ruto," said Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

The leaders also launched a voter mobilisation drive in Siaya County, setting a target of registering more than one million voters ahead of the General Election.

"This region has the opportunity to register close to one million voters so that when the rest of the country elects President William Ruto, the people of Siaya will not be left behind," said Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

ODM further announced plans to embark on a nationwide campaign to rally support for President William Ruto's re-election bid, saying the Broad-Based Government provides the best platform for implementing the country's development agenda.