Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Leader Oburu Oginga has disregarded recent calls from different quarters for a written agreement to guide the party’s negotiations with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party.
In a statement on Thursday, October 29 evening, Oburu emphasised that ODM Party has structures in place and good leadership to determine its political decisions without interference from outside.
“During my temporary absence from active political engagement, I have observed with concern attempts by certain individuals, including some non-ODM members, to exploit the situation by prescribing how our Party should negotiate with UDA, including whether or not such negotiations should culminate in a written agreement,” Oburu, who is also the Siaya County Senator, said.
According to Oburu, the said individuals and non-ODM members have no business dictating how the party should negotiate with President Ruto’s party.
“Let me be unequivocal: ODM is an established political institution with legitimate structures, clear objectives and an experienced leadership capable of conducting negotiations in the Party’s and Kenyans’ best interests,” he added. “We’ve made our contribution, made sacrifices and will continue to do so for sake of progress and stability of our nation.”
He insisted that negotiations should not be done in the public space, describing them as serious political engagements rather than public spectacles.
He affirmed that the implementation of the 10-Point Agenda that was agreed between the late Raila Odinga and President Ruto remains an undebatable and non negotiable condition of the party’s engagement with UDA.
“Our commitment to this agenda is absolute,” Oburu said, adding that the party would continue pursuing national progress and stability.
His remarks came shortly after disagreements within the party following the party’s cooperation with that of President Ruto and the direction of the party ahead of the upcoming general election.
“Any individual or parties seeking political alliances, mergers or coalitions and/or otherwise must restrict their choices to themselves. ODM knows where it is going, what it wants and how to get there.”
