Oburu Oginga has thrown down the gauntlet to ODM rebels in a fiery show of authority that exposed deep cracks inside Kenya’s biggest opposition party. Speaking at Kibera’s Kamkunji grounds, Oburu told dissatisfied members to walk out if they wished.
He made it clear that ODM will not beg anyone to stay. His words came as the party faces internal revolt, growing threats of defection, and high-stakes coalition talks ahead of the 2027 election. The rally marked a turning point for ODM rebels in testing party unity.
Oburu Oginga Draws a Line as ODM Rebels Push Back
Oburu Oginga used his first major public rally since the death of Raila Odinga to send a blunt message to ODM rebels. He said he has no duty to block anyone from leaving the party. He also ruled out purging members, insisting that unity must come from choice, not force.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 14, Oburu told the charged crowd that ODM needs solidarity if it wants power. He warned that a divided party cannot negotiate from strength. According to him, ODM must stand as one bloc as it prepares for pre-coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We must walk together,” Oburu said. “If someone wants to leave, let them leave alone.” His words drew loud reactions from supporters and critics alike.
The remarks landed at a tense moment. ODM rebels have openly questioned party decisions and leadership direction. Some MPs have threatened mass defection if the party expels Secretary General Edwin Sifuna over alleged party infidelity.
Oburu’s stance hardened the battle lines. He chose confrontation over compromise. He framed loyalty as a personal decision and dared critics to prove their threats. In doing so, he signaled that ODM will move forward, with or without its rebels.
ODM Rebels Warn of Exodus Over Edwin Sifuna
The rebellion within ODM has gained momentum in recent days. A group of MPs, led by Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, warned of a mass exit if the party targets Edwin Sifuna. They accused the leadership of intolerance and betrayal of democratic values.
These ODM rebels argue that Sifuna represents reform and bold opposition politics. They claim any attempt to remove him would confirm fears that dissent is no longer welcome in the party. Their warnings rattled the party base and fueled speculation of a looming split.
Oburu did not directly address Sifuna’s fate at the rally. However, his message left little room for negotiation. By telling rebels to quit quietly, he dismissed their leverage. He also shifted focus from individuals to strategy, arguing that ODM’s survival depends on collective discipline.
The absence of Sifuna at the Kibera rally spoke volumes. Deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also skipped the event. Their absence highlighted the depth of internal divisions and gave ODM rebels fresh ammunition.
Coalition Talks and the High Stakes for ODM Rebels
At the heart of the conflict lies ODM’s decision to begin pre-coalition negotiations. The party’s Central Management Committee reached this resolution during a meeting in Kilifi. ODM plans to engage several parties, including President William Ruto’s UDA, to strengthen its national reach.
Oburu defended the move strongly. He said early negotiations give ODM an advantage and prevent political isolation. He insisted that ODM rebels must understand the bigger picture.
According to Oburu, a fractured party weakens its bargaining power. He warned that internal fights only benefit rivals. His argument framed dissent as a threat not just to leadership, but to ODM’s future relevance.
The Kibera rally brought together senior loyalists. Party chairperson Gladys Wanga attended, alongside deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Simba Arati. Their presence showed where power currently sits.
Still, the missing voices mattered. ODM rebels see coalition talks with suspicion, especially any engagement with UDA. They fear it signals betrayal of opposition ideals and grassroots supporters.
Oburu has now placed the burden on rebels to decide. Stay and fall in line, or leave and lose influence. His challenge has intensified tensions and forced a moment of reckoning.
As ODM marches toward 2027, the rebellion within could reshape Kenya’s political landscape. Whether ODM rebels exit or submit will determine if the party emerges united or fractured in the battles ahead.
