Oburu warns ODM aspirants against bribery, promises ‘free and fair’ nominations

Oburu spoke in Kisumu during a meeting bringing together ODM aspirants from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties, attended by party chairperson Gladys Wanga and other top officials.

“I welcome all of you because it’s me who invited you here… If you are aspiring to get rich, you will be shocked,” Oburu said, citing his long political career.

“This is my seventh term in Parliament… If you are here to make money, then you won’t. Just serve your people,” he said.

Oburu said ODM will insist on free and fair nominations, warning aspirants against trying to influence the process through money.

He claimed he would not accept bribes, saying even money offered “for fuel” should not be seen as buying favour.

“We shall ensure free and fair nominations,” he said.

Oburu also urged aspirants to focus on strengthening the party’s membership base, saying ODM nominations will be determined by registered members.

He told incumbents to use the remaining period to deliver development, warning that “if you have nothing to show… all seats will be vacant.”

Oburu also spoke about coalition arrangements and zoning, claiming ODM was in talks with UDA on electoral zoning in Nyanza and ruled out similar arrangements with other opposition figures.

“We have zoned Nyanza only for UDA and ODM… It’s only between UDA and ODM though it’s still under negotiation,” he said, adding that zoning would proceed.

On the cost of living, Oburu said the issue of fuel prices would be addressed soon.

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga urged aspirants to strengthen the party at the grassroots, warning that internal wrangles would weaken ODM’s influence.

She said a past movement dubbed “Linda ground” had been hijacked, insisting the party was now focused on ODM unity and its orange identity.

“Transitions are never easy… especially after the loss of Raila,” Wanga said, adding that Oburu is “steadying the ship.”

Wanga said ODM remained the largest party and urged members to protect its popularity, warning that even nomination certificates would be worthless if the party is weak on the ground.