Oburu warns ODM against conflicting ‘party positions’, calls for one command centre

In remarks dated May 4, 2026, and shared with ODM leaders attending a retreat in Mombasa, Oburu apologized for not attending in person, saying he was held up by “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances."

“I am with you in spirit and will closely follow the deliberations of this important meeting,” he said, urging leaders to “strategize effectively” on the way forward.

Oburu said ODM must continue building on the legacy of the late Raila Odinga.

“We acknowledge that our party leader, the late Right Honorable Raila Amollo Odinga… placed this party on the global map… It is therefore our duty to continue the great work that he began,” he said, adding: “We are not there yet, and we must keep moving forward.”

He asked leaders to step up voter registration efforts, saying registration in ODM strongholds remains low.

“The strength and position of our party can only be solidified if we have the numbers… our strongholds’ registration is still low and we need to put more efforts,” he said.

Oburu said campaigns have not officially started and urged leaders to focus on service at the grassroots to strengthen the party and increase its bargaining power.

On nominations, Oburu called for transparent primaries, saying each contestant should have an equal chance.

“Every contestant must be given a fair and equal opportunity… The only way we can prevent division… is by collectively ensuring that our primaries are conducted in a transparent manner,” he said.

He also urged members to end internal conflicts and to speak with one voice.

“We can only have one command center. We cannot have multiple voices issuing conflicting ‘party positions’,” he said.

Oburu added that ODM has not started coalition negotiations and urged leaders not to endorse one another prematurely.

“We are yet to begin our negotiations… before we start endorsing one another, we ensure a thorough and consultative process is undertaken,” he said.

He called on leaders to use the retreat to “mend bridges” and emerge united.