ODM party leader Oburu Oginga addressing aspirant's during their Nyanza Convention meeting in Kisumu. Faith Matete 
ODM party aspirants during a Nyanza Convention meeting in Kisumu. Faith Matete ODM leader Oburu Odinga has declared that he will defend his Siaya Senate seat in the 2027 General Election while assuring party aspirants that ODM nominations will be free and fair.
Speaking during the ODM Nyanza Region Aspirants Convention in Kisumu on Monday, Oburu urged leaders to focus on service delivery, unity and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls.
The veteran politician praised ODM Electoral Board chairperson Emily Awita, describing her as principled and resistant to bribery or political pressure.
“Even if you are my friend, even if you have money, don’t think that money can buy leadership. We are going to ensure there is free and fair competition,” he said.
Oburu challenged elected leaders to use the remaining one year and two months before the election to deliver meaningful development projects to wananchi.
“Work very hard and deliver services to the people because whatever services you have delivered is what you will use to campaign,” he said.
The Siaya Senator also cautioned aspirants against turning internal competition into hostility, reminding them that rivals in ODM nominations would still be key allies during the general election campaign.
“These are your brothers and sisters. After nominations, they are the same people who will campaign for you once you win the ODM ticket,” he noted.
Oburu further defended ongoing discussions around political zoning, arguing that the concept has always existed in Kenyan politics through coalition arrangements and power-sharing agreements.
“Whoever is talking about zoning as if it is a new concept is deceiving people. It has always been there, and it will continue happening,” he said.
He revealed that ODM is preparing to build alliances within the broad-based political arrangement ahead of the formation of the next government.
According to Oburu, political bargaining power will depend on the number of votes and elected leaders each region delivers.
“When negotiating, you must show how many MPs, MCAs and presidential votes you have brought. That is what determines the share of government,” he stated.
The ODM leader urged Nyanza leaders to remain united and strengthen the party’s support base, saying the region remains central to ODM’s political strength.
“If you people do not unite and work hard, don’t expect anything. I do not want to lead you to the wilderness. I want to lead you to government,” he said.
Oburu expressed confidence that ODM and its allies would defeat their rivals in the next election, but stressed that the region must mobilise strong numbers to secure a greater share in government.
