I will be ODM’s presidential candidate if party runs alone in 2027 - Oburu

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr Oburu Oginga has declared that he will run for president in 2027 if the party decides to contest the election on its own.

Speaking on Wednesday, December 31, Oburu said ODM will continue working within the broad-based government arrangement up to 2027, as agreed earlier by his late brother Raila Odinga.

However, he made it clear that 2026 will be a decisive year for the party, when ODM will decide whether to field its own presidential candidate or join a coalition with other political parties.

“Before the end of 2026, ODM will have made a clear decision on our direction in 2027,” Oburu said.

ODM Constitution Backs Him

According to Oburu, the ODM constitution states that the party leader is the automatic presidential candidate if the party runs alone.

“If ODM goes it alone, then I am the presidential candidate,” he said, adding that any other party member eyeing the presidency should seek another party.

“Anyone preparing to run for president using ODM is mistaken if the party decides to go solo,” Oburu stated firmly.

Warning on Early Campaign Slogans

The ODM leader also warned party members against engaging in ‘one-term’ or ‘two-term’ political slogans, saying such debates are not part of ODM’s policy.

He urged party members to focus on unity, discipline, and strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Our focus is unity and serving the interests of the people. We are not interested in slogans but in building a strong and united ODM,” he said.

Oburu insisted that ODM will remain stable and united as it prepares to make key political decisions that could shape Kenya’s 2027 rac