“ODM Is In Broad-Based Gov’t Solely On Development!” – Oburu Reveals
Oburu Odinga, ODM party leader, has stated that the party’s autonomy, identity, and fundamental ideals will stay intact despite its sustained support for the broad-based administration.
This follows a political agreement reached by former party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
On March 7, Raila signed a ten-point working plan with President Ruto, officially formalising cooperation between the opposition Orange Democratic Movement and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The deal enabled ODM to support important government programs while keeping its separate political identity.
The broad-based agreement arose at the height of Gen Z-led anti-government rallies, which nearly brought Ruto’s administration to its knees in June 2024.
The rallies, which were fueled mostly by popular outrage over the proposed 2024 Finance Bill, sparked widespread discontent across the country, forcing the administration to seek political consensus to stabilize the situation.
The UDA-ODM collaboration is widely credited for reducing public indignation following the passing of the very contentious Finance Bill.
The Bill had prompted ongoing protests and opposition from certain segments of society.
The unity agreement was billed as a platform for conversation and shared responsibility in tackling serious national issues.
Speaking at a public forum during the Christmas period, Oburu said ODM’s participation in the government was never premised on electoral support for President Ruto.
“We came into this government through the window, and we don’t like being there. We’re only staying because we want development”- Oburu Odinga. pic.twitter.com/ymQ50LZ7Uv
— jim Njue (@jimNjue_) December 26, 2025
Instead, it was focused on the need to secure development for its supporters and the country at large.
He described ODM’s entry into the arrangement as unconventional and conditional.
“You know, in this government where we are now, we came in through the window because we did not vote for William Ruto,” he said.
“This is not a government we voted for, I think all of you are aware.”
Oburu took over the ODM party leadership following the death of his younger brother, Raila Odinga.
Odinga, the former Prime Minister and long-time opposition chief, died on October 15 while undergoing treatment in India.
Raila’s death marked a turning point for the party, which has for decades been shaped by his leadership and political influence.
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His passing triggered internal debate within ODM over the nature and future of its association with the Ruto administration, particularly on whether the party should support the President’s re-election bid.
The disagreements exposed differing interpretations of the March 7 pact and its political implications.
One faction within the party has maintained that backing Ruto’s re-election was never part of the agreement between Raila and the President.
Another faction argues that the working relationship with the government was only intended to last until the 2027 General Election and should not extend beyond that period.
“ODM Is In Broad-Based Gov’t Solely On Development!” – Oburu Reveals
