ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has urged aspirants seeking various elective seats in the 2027 General Election to conduct friendly campaigns that promote unity rather than division.
Speaking on Thursday when he hosted ODM elected leaders, aspirants and party representatives from Taita Taveta County, Oburu said friendly campaigns were key to ensuring members continue supporting one another after party primaries.
He said nominations should not be treated as a matter of life and death.
“We will do our best to ensure the nominations are free and fair so that no one comes clinging on my coat for my help. I will not allow that,” Oburu said.
He was speaking at the Pawaa Centre, the ODM party headquarters in Nairobi, where he hosted the delegation led by Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma.
Oburu said members were free to vie for any elective seat in the 2027 elections.
The Siaya Senator said ODM was focused on the broad-based arrangement and was working to ensure President William Ruto receives more votes from the party’s strongholds.
“Our aim is to motivate our supporters to come out in large numbers and vote, even for that top seat. That way, we will be sorted. Even our members who shall have lost in the nominations will be able to get state appointments,” Oburu said.
He urged party members not to allow nominations to create enmity among them and cautioned against using demeaning language against fellow members.
“Conduct yourselves like you are in competition with your brother or sister so that after nominations, you remain together. Remember the enemy is not your fellow ODM member but that other rival from another party,” Oburu said.
He said ODM was negotiating with UDA for a 50-50 share of government after the 2027 elections.
However, he acknowledged the existence of differing views within the party and called for unity.
“Differences exist everywhere, not just in Taita Taveta alone. There are differences even in Nyanza, Western and even here in Nairobi. What is important is that we are doing our best to resolve those issues to make sure our party remains one.”
He urged delegates and party representatives to recruit more supporters to the party.
"Lets work together to strengthen our party and expand it by bringing more people to join.Tell them registration is free," Oburu said.
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga said disagreements within the party at the regional level were normal but should be resolved.
"Let us give the party leader a humble time for him to spend more time on bargaining for power other than resolving issues within the party," she said.
Acting ODM Secretary-General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo commended the leaders for their steadfastness in the party.
