Oburu warns ODM rebels: ‘Oppose party line, lose your position’

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has issued a firm warning to dissenting leaders, saying those who go against party resolutions risk losing their positions.

Addressing delegates at the Special Delegates Conference (SDC), Dr Oburu made it clear that party discipline will define ODM’s next phase.

“We will not expel people but as a democratic party, we will not allow leaders to go against the majority voice.”

“You cannot continue serving in position when you oppose the same resolutions passed by majority leaders.”

He emphasised that while ODM remains inclusive, it will not tolerate disorder.

“I’m not intolerant but democracy is not chaos.”

First NDC after Raila

The meeting marked a turning point for the party — the first major gathering since the death of ODM founder Raila Odinga.

“This is the first NDC after the loss of my brother Raila Odinga who was the founder of this party ODM.”

Dr Oburu used the moment to signal continuity while asserting his leadership direction.

‘We want power’

In a blunt declaration, the ODM leader said the party’s focus remains winning power.

“We are in broadbased because we want power. All over the world, political parties are formed to assume power.”

He added that ODM has the strength to go it alone but is choosing a strategic path.

“It is a party that is fit to take power on its own. But in Kenya, it is not easy to go alone and win.”

Hits back at ‘ODM has been bought’ claims

Dr Oburu also dismissed claims that the party had been compromised.

“People are saying ODM has been bought. At my age, how much can one pay to buy me?”

A party born out of struggle

He reminded delegates of ODM’s roots, tracing its formation to a fallout with former President Mwai Kibaki over the 2005 constitutional process.

“We were almost expelled from NARC after we disagreed with the then President Mwai Kibaki.”

“We defeated the draft and Kibaki expelled us. So we formed the Orange Democratic Movement.”