Oburu threatens to sue Gachagua over claims he was “bought” to hand over ODM

Oburu spoke on Monday while presiding over the Nairobi ODM youth forum, where the party’s rank and file sought assurances over ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s ruling party.

“As ODM, we cannot be swallowed. If you try to swallow ODM, your stomach will burst,” Oburu said.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said the broad-based arrangement is not a party, insisting ODM remains the vehicle through which support should be sought.

“Broad-based is not a party. The party is ODM. Even if someone wants our support, they must go through our party ODM,” Junet said.

Oburu said ODM would retain the seats it currently holds and “add or double” them, as the party begins nationwide “meet the people” tours in 25 counties to consolidate support.

ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga said the party would field candidates across the board in the 2027 polls.

“We will have candidates everywhere, from governor, Senate, woman representative — all will be ODM,” Wanga said.

Makadara MP George Aladwa also insisted Nairobi seats would remain within ODM, saying anyone seeking key posts should do so through the party.

On the UDA side, UDA Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo said the ruling party was not intimidated, whether zoning is in place or not.

ODM leaders also took aim at UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, with ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati telling him to “cool down”.

CS Mining Hassan Joho said he would continue standing with ODM, while deputy party leader Abdulswad Sheriff Nassir said no one was bigger than the party.

In the same meeting, Oburu threatened legal action against Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua over claims that he had been compromised by President Ruto to hand over ODM.

“There is someone who said Oburu was bought. I will take him to court to explain. I cannot be bought,” Oburu said.